This is a different kind of success story, but totally appropriate:
Well, query #12 ended up being an “acceptance”. But, little did I know that they pay their writers with “publicity”. Bah. So I turned it down. I’m too busy to take on any more pro-bono jobs.
So, is that a success story or not? :P One thing is for sure, even when I’m rejected or something like this happens, I gain more practice sending queries. When I sent this query, it felt powerful – and “right”. Not even ONE drop of sweat dripped during its creation. :)
You know, it’s interesting. This was the first job I’ve turned down. I have so many projects now, I have set my work standards much higher. This made me realize that even though I’m not making enough to pay the rent, I have achieved a certain level of success.
Just recently, a high school friend found me on the internet and he told me that he too ended up as a writer. After talking to him and finding out more about his work, I realized that he created an entire career out of what he loves – motorcycles. The other day, I sent him a link to a job and he replied, “Although this is a job that doesn’t look like it’s worth rolling out of bed in the morning, I’ll send off something – who knows what might happen.” That hit me – he makes a living doing what he does because he’s picky about the work he accepts, yet open to the possibilities.
Querying in response to a call-out, then turning down the offer they gave because I knew it was not right for me, made me feel like a professional. Inspired by my friend, and by this challenge. I realize I choose my success by my own perception of what I’m worth, and what I want to spend my time doing.
Do you have a 2007 Inkthinker Query Challenge Success Story? Great! E-mail me!
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Finalist in 2006 Writer’s Digest Best Writer’s Website Contest
Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King. All rights reserved.
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I hate it when that happens! I’ve been through the same thing: “we’re happy to work with writers to promote their sites, blah, blah, blah.” Show me the MONEY!
However, I might go back to a real estate site that I had originally said “no way, Jose” to if they’ll reprint an article I’ve already written (and have the copyright for) with a link to my site. Can’t hurt to get more traffic, right?