A few of you have inquired about the status of my children’s picture book. Thank you for remembering after all this time!

I am still plugging away. And nearly two years since I completed the manuscript. Crazy, right? Time flies when you get engaged, then married, and you’re having fun.

You’re probably thinking when do you throw in the towel and give up?

I don’t plan on doing this anytime soon. I’m trying to exhaust every avenue I can before I go the self-publishing route (which I may end up doing at some point). The thought of possibly having to find an illustrator seems a bit daunting. If anyone knows someone who’s a great artist, please let me know. Though when submitting queries for a picture book, I have read publishers match you with an artist; it is strongly advised to NOT go in with a joint text/art submission.

There are countless agents who handle children’s picture books. And while that’s been my primary focus (it’s an advantage as most publishing houses don’t accept unsolicited/un-agented material), I have found a few smaller, lesser known publishing houses that I plan on sending the book to.

I’ve received a few friendly rejection letters:

“Charming story, but we’re not sure how we’d market it.”

“Unfortunately, The Crooked Tale of Agnes B. is not quite right for us, so I am going to pass.  Given how subjective this business is, I am sure there are others who will feel differently.  Best of luck as you continue to make those connections.”

“It’s beautiful but so far I’ve had no luck with children’s books.”

The latest, which I received this weekend as a surprise (after two months of not hearing from someone you assume it’s a no go) gave me a glimmer of hope:

“Thank you for sharing your work with me. Right now my list is full but I invite you to query back in two months. Thanks for thinking of me.”

I’ll take it!

So that’s where we are.

My 75-pound lapdog under my desk won’t let me give up just yet. Either will MainMan.

Here’s a fun list of famous author rejection letters. When I read these, or hear about another famous author’s bout with rejection, I find it encouraging. I’m no Gertrude Stein, but I think I have something here and I’m waiting for someone else to agree.