Do I ask my agent to pull the manuscript so I can just Lulu the thing, or suffer for another month (or two, or three, or whenever someone can get to it) for that feeling of validation and a maybe a grand or so in my pocket?

It depends what you want out of going the Lulu route, Allyson. If you really want to sell books, it's not going to be easy that way.

Also, you have to try and remember that having publishers say no says nothing about *you*. It could mean as little as they don't know how to publish the Sam book well, not that it's bad, or that you're bad. Not at all.

I always use the baseball metaphor. There are only so many teams and so many players needed. Not everyone gets to play, depending on timing and circumstance, and it sucks, but it is what it is. Publishing is as much about luck sometimes as anything else.

Oh dear, javachick.

I can;t decide which thread this should go in, but Alton Brown is the commencement speaker at UGA this spring! (He went here.) Several people I know are already plotting to become close friends with a senior in the next 6 weeks.

I can handle the "no," Amy. It sucks, it hurts, but I can get over the no. It's the "maybe" that is killing me. "Maybe" we'll buy it, but I need a few more day. No, I need to wait until next week. Actually, we can't give you an answer until next month.

That's what makes my stomach churn. I find it cruel.

Allyson, I agree there's no point pulling the manuscript to self-publish. And I know it's hard, but Amy's words are very wise.

I got my lab to work faster than the developers! It's because I have more practise cheating.

I just found this gem in B'cracy (indulge me):

Nutty's Corollary to Godwin's Law: When one person makes insinuating but vague accusations against one or more other persons, on behalf of a third party of one or more persons described by the first person as oppressed, the discussion is bound to go nowhere but acrimony and is effectively over. You might as well invoke Nazis. See also: Snacky's Law, where the invocation is "those popular people in high school".

I don't think it's going to end the discussion, but it's a brave try.

flea, that is awesome. I would totally love to see him if for no other reason than to tell him to get off his newly found nutritional high horse and have some ganache.

U of M is getting President Obama.I'd be more excited about it if I didn't know for a fact that it's going to fuck up my commute for about a week.

If it makes you feel any better, they're not being cruel on purpose. To get approval to acquire can sometimes take several meetings, and interested editors waiting for answers from above, too.

I know it's frustrating. But I wouldn't throw in the towel now.

Amy insent.

I think it's fine for straight folks to spend time at gay bars unescorted, as long as they don't freak out over being asked to dance or offered a drink by someone of the same gender. Socializing is cool, going on safari to gawk at the exotic fauna and pat yourself on the back over how daring you are isn't.

Yeah, that was always pretty much my thought. I've been to all kinds of bars, and it's pretty much about what people are in the mood for; if I'm hitting a gay bar, it's generally to go dancing or catch a good drag act. Lesbian bars, generally to hang with bi girlfriends. And I have no sympathy for str8 people who go to gay/les bars, and then get het up about about people hitting on them. WTF, dumbass?!

I HAVE been to gay bars in groups who included people who I thought went to gawk, and it made me really uncomfortable and unhappy, and I chose to not repeat that. But I don't give a flying fuck about people's sexuality -- whatevs, dude/ette -- so I don't think I'm a representative str8 girl. Go to a bar to drink and socialize. That's what they're for, no matter the flavor.

Backflung, Aims.

I have a fever of almost 101. Stephen is going to be Daisies Dad tonight. I almost wish I felt well enough to go just to watch.

IME, Allyson, no is faster. Gut it out, if you can. ita has one thing in common with Vinny Chase, who "never wants to be anyone's first. Or anyone's last."