After seeing all those inspiring Lammy nominees last night, I did the anti-award thing and got some (not totally unexpected) rejection today. I got my official “you weren’t selected” letter from the The Twenty-Sixth Annual Delacorte Press Contest for a First Young Adult Novel. From what the letter says, Neutral Zone was one of more than 600 entries under consideration. I don’t know if anyone won this year. The letter doesn’t say and the website doesn’t seem to be updated either (unless I’m looking in the wrong place). In 2007 and 2008 there were no winners, so 2009 might be the same.
Now that I’ve got the rejection under my belt, it’s time to look at other places to get Neutral Zone published. I believe in the story. I’ve even started some short stories based on Simon and Alex because I like the characters so much.
I’m sorry, Jeff, but you know…at least you’ve gotten it written. Every year, I tell myself this is the year I’ll do my novel and I’ve yet to do it. The fact that you’ve written it is very inspiring to me.
I think maybe it’s time for you to start sending it off to agents??
What Cheryl said.
I am sorry to hear the news, but Kudos to you for finishing the project. Now that it is done, you can shop it around. I know a couple of small publishers, so let me know how it goes. Bud published for himself, as he felt so strongly about his work. It has gone okay so far, but having to turn around and sell is tough work in itself. Keep us informed!