I currently have a book Out On Submission. Which means, my agent has sent my manuscript to a number of publishers to review and, hopefully, make an offer to publish. This period of time, which can last months if not a year, is difficult to navigate emotionally.
Here are 7 things I may or may not have done, am doing, or will do instead of obsessing about my manuscript’s fate.
- Work on your next book. Nothing like immersing yourself in a new world to take your mind off this one. (Unless your next book is about an author on submission.)
- Knit a sweater while listening to true crime podcasts. (The rhythm of knitting helps release serotonin, the chemical that helps regulate anxiety, happiness, and mood.)
- Read a bad book. Hey! If their stuff can get published, your load of crap can too! (Never name names.)
- Discover TikTok. Half a day will pass before you know it.
- Redesign your office. I’m still not completely done yet, but that post will be coming.
- Return to your hometown for two weeks to take care of your parent after a hip replacement. What publishers think of your writing will be the last thing on your mind.
- Remember curling season is two months away and resume your yoga and stretching so you don’t hurt yourself the first day on the ice.
You can also read a smashingly good book on a long plane ride and prepare to interview the author.
Karin Slaughter’s new Will Trent novel AFTER THAT NIGHT comes out on August 22nd. I’m halfway through it and so far, it’s freakin’ amazing. My interview with her will be published at The Big Thrill in August. I’ll post a link to it when it comes out.
ALSO, I have some awesome news! Her Dying Day is a finalist in the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Reader’s Choice Contest! This is truly amazing and the winner is chosen by READERS! Please vote for Her Dying Day to win and share this link on your social medias with your friends. To win would be a huge honor and I can’t win without you.
Mindy Carlson 
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