The Pyrenees---Southern France

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Improve the Odds

       If you need 12 cupcakes for a party, you had better make at least 14...a menopausal chocoholic might get out of control mishap might happen. 

       If you need 50 brochures, make an extra 10 just to be safe.

       If there is a contest, and you're not limited in your entries, send in more than one submission. One of them might not make it, but one of them might end up a winner.    

        This week I got an email from D'ette Corona, one of the head haunchos at Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I always hold my breath like I do when I pass by a police officer shooting radar and I'm clearly speeding when I see an email from her. It's either good news, or a version of "Sioux-you-screwed-up-and-forgot-to-send-in-the-release" message. One of these days, I think she's going to say, "Stop bugging us. Don't submit another thing." Hence, the holding of my breath...

This book is going to go on sale on November 2, 2013.

       I submitted two stories for this anthology. "My Circle of Friends," a memoir about a book club I belong to, was the only one that made it to the final round. Of course, it could get booted out before the book goes to press, but I'm remaining hopeful. (And if it does get tossed out at the last minute, I will shout that out as well, 'cause rejection is all part of the writing business...)

       Improve your odds. Take more than one chance at some of the opportunities that come your way. You might end up a winner...

17 comments:

  1. Wow, good news! I am sure it will make it all the way. Who could NOT love a memoir about a book club?

    Oh, and I don't remember B and J as memorable, but you are so right about the movie Chocolate. I loved that movie, saw it twice if not three times. Thanks for the rminder....it might be time again! Keep in mind the new Long Ranger is a different take on the story...but I went with open mind and a bucket of pop corn!

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    1. Bookie--I hope so.

      Depp did a lot of cute physical comedy in "Benny and Joon" which made me remember it. I also love Mary Stuart Masterson, so it was appealing for that reason as well.

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  2. That's Souper! Hope it hangs in there. I lift my 44 oz. Diet Coke in a toast for continued success.

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    1. Val--Thank you, but isn't that Diet Coke all slurped away by now?

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  3. Congratulations, Sioux. You are becoming a Chicken Soup super star.

    Great advice about increasing your odds.

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    1. Donna--Thanks, but I'm not a CS super star. I have used your advice, and am keeping track of what I submit and what is accepted/rejected--for all of 2013--and I think for every piece that CS accepts, I get 6-7 rejected.

      I am sure your event on Sunday is going a blast.

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  4. Congrats! I heard back about that same anthology. It has been so long since I submitted the story that I had forgotten all about it, so seeing the contract in my in-basket was a very pleasant surprise. Like you, I hope not to be bumped. Be nice if we're both in the same book! :D

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    1. Lisa--Congratulations to YOU. That was me, too. It's been a while, so I forgot about the whole release procedure. It would be wonderful if we were in the same book--perhaps we could do a Skype book signing together? (Just kidding.)

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  5. Congrats to you! But, 12 cupcakes always calls for 24 at my house. Lots of taste testing occurs here!

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    1. Kathy--I SO agree. It's called "quality control" in my mind...

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  6. That's awesome, Sioux! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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    1. Thanks, Pat. How about that canine and feline of yours...have them cross their toenails, too. ;)

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  7. Congrats! And I like getting rejections - it shows they care (but not enough to publish my stuff). I hate submitting something and never hearing a word about it.

    In the end, the person with the most rejections is the winner, right?

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    1. Kim--Thanks. I have to keep my fingers crossed.

      That's what I'm thinkin,' and I am determined to be a contender with the most rejections under my belt.

      Yes, I hate when "no news is bad news." It's much better to get closure with a certain piece and a particular publisher, but when that doesn't happen, and we just have to assume our story didn't make it...well, I guess we just have to deal with it.

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  8. All I can say is Linda better watch out! Congrats!

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  9. Mary Stuart Masterson could so play you in the movie of your life. That raised eyebrow and deadpan wit. Plus I bet she can dance a little turn while wearing clogs and socks. Better get the screen play done before she gets too old.

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