The Undiscovered Country

Too Late Now

Whenever I submit a story or proposal to a potential publisher, I don't look at it again.

The temptation is there, believe me, enough to make me break out into a sweat. It ain't pretty that sweat, nor is the resulting odor wafting from my over-reactive pores. My poor family.

Did I spell the agent/publisher's name correctly?

Did I remember to include all he/she asked for?

Are there glaring grammatical/spelling errors that I missed?

I refrain from verifying one way or another, because if I made all those mistakes above, it's too late now. And why make myself cry and gnash my teeth over something I can't fix anyway?

Yesterday I sent off my query letter. Last night at about 3am I woke up in a sweat and heart pounding, terrified I had misspelled the agent's name. I know I didn't, because I triple-checked it before sending it off. At least I think I didn't. I hope I didn't . . .

The only issue I have now (aside from night terrors) is when to expect a response. Nowhere on the agent's website did I see a time-frame. I'll give him about eight weeks, though. If I don't hear anything back then, I'll pursue another agent (is it me, or does that sound too much like stalking?).