Querying Journey: Day One

This is not my first querying journey, nor will it be my last. But I have put a lot of effort into making this one, at least, a successful querying journey.

My fantasy romance manuscript is complete at 85,000 words. I paid for a professional critique of my query letter this time (a privilege most authors cannot afford, I realize). I've listened to podcast, read blogs, and took workshops to help develop my story, pitch, and synopsis. I even did some market research before setting on on this endeavor.

But will it be enough? When I was seventeen, I queried my (now self-published) fantasy series. One hundred queries later, I received only one personalized rejection. I am hoping a decade of maturing and honing my craft will assist this time around, but I know the odds.

I have sent out three queries today, and have already received one rejection. Yes, one rejection already, not even twelve hours in. If anything, my skin will be much thicker after this experience.