Recently I had more than one person comment about their struggle with waiting. I’m talking about the wait between when you submit (or pitch) your work and when you hear back from the editor (or publisher).
We all have a different tolerance level for waiting, and the instant society we live in compounds the problem. But we can stay encouraged and productive while we wait.
What to Do While You Wait
- Enter your article on your submission tracker, and start on the next project.
- Develop/tweak your author website.
- Read a book on writing craft and work to improve.
- Learn the ins and outs of your favorite social media network(s) and use it to build your platform.
- Most publications give a “will respond in” period of time. It can be several weeks to several months. List this on your submission tracker, schedule a reminder task in your calendar (I use Outlook) and follow up with an email to the editor when it is appropriate.
I think Kathy Carlton Willis offers the best advice with this quote from her upcoming book Your Life on Hold: Don’t Hate the Wait! “Sometimes between the ‘wait’ and the ‘yes’ we need to fall at Jesus’ feet and be caught up in total adoration of the Savior.”
We may not get a “yes” when the answer comes, but keeping our focus on the Savior provides us the peace and strength for every moment of the day, no matter what we face.
How about it readers? Add to the list the things that work for you. Leave your answer in the comments.
Debra L. Butterfield © 2013