"Up, Up, And Away!"

 

        Well, you've completed your first story.  You wrote it "faster than a speeding bullet, your words are more powerful than a locomotive, and taken your readers to leaps and bounds with every word. You're Super Writer!   And you're so proud of yourself.  You've found the right publisher  to submit it to..  You've sent a bio of yourself, and a cover letter.  You've researched, and sent all they require for submission.  Your story is up, up, and away in the mail, rushing to be published, and you can't wait for that reply to come, saying how great it is.  But, what to do now?  Should you stand by the mailbox and wait?  Scroll through countless magazines, watch television, as you peek through your blinds watching for the mail truck to pull up with that acceptance letter?   NO, NO, No!
  Now is the time to continue on your writing journey.  Start another project.  Submissions can take some time.  It often takes weeks, months, before you hear from publishers.  You must remember that your story is not the only one gracing their desk.  There could be hundreds, just as eager as you for a reply. It takes time for publishers to read, and consider each piece for possible  publication. Why sit idle, when you could be writing that next great piece of work.  Often it's good to send your story to many publishers, that might like your work too.  Just make sure you mention that you have send your story not just to them, but other publishers as well..  Often, this is a little push that makes them consider your work more quickly.  But its not a guarantee.  Just keep writing, never take too long of a break.  You want to keep the words coming, and flowing.  Always remember "Writing is a journey, not a destination."  You must always keep writing!