Killer Commute update

This is the best time to write. On the train and taking this time for myself. Last month I would be sipping on a beer and in my own world. Today, I’m writing a short entry into the blog. I’d like to keep a record of the responses I’ve received from the various presses for Killer Commute. I would love for one of the traditional publishers to accept it. Dream on. But this may not happen. Accept the fact. An e-publisher accepted Killer Commute, but I’m waiting for two more responses – acceptances really. Let’s take a look at the last few – shall we:
8/7/09
Thank you for your recent submission to Champagne Books. I read the partial of your novel, KILLER COMMUTE, with interest and would like to review the complete manuscript. Please submit it to me at your earliest convenience as a .doc or .rtf attachment.
Warm Regards,
J. Ellen Smith
Publisher
Champagne Books
Submitted the novel three weeks ago…
A rejection:
Dear Mr. Gordon;

Thank you for considering Lyrical Press for your novel Killer Commute.
Although it is a creative read, we regret to inform you we cannot offer an acceptance for Killer Commute at this time.
We wish you all the best,
Frank and Renee Rocco
Publishers - Lyrical Press, Inc.
I responded to their rejection- asking if there was a way to make the novel stronger they may suggest something. Right? This is the response:

Dear Mike,
I appreciate your enthusiasm to better the manuscript in order for reconsideration from Lyrical Press, Inc. Although your story had areas of promise, overall, the plot and writing would simply not make a good fit for Lyrical Press.
We do wish you all the best in finding a house for your work.
Best,
Renee Rocco
Publisher, Lyrical Press Incorporated
Lyrical Press, Inc
An acceptance from Rogue Phoenix Press – who - accepted the novel days after receiving it: If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is. I don’t like their POD services which can be costly. So, I’m hesitating and waiting for two more press’
Mike,

If your manuscript is still available, Rogue Phoenix Press is interested in publishing Killer Commute. Rogue Phoenix Press is an ebook publisher and as such do not offer advances. What we do offer is 40% of all ebooks sold from the RPP site and 10% to 35% off other ebook sites. Traditional publishing houses offer a 5-6% royalty to be paid only when the advance is earned out. We also offer a POD service as mentioned above. For further information please refer to the contracts listed on the RPP website. www.roguephoenixpress.com. Your book will be listed at other electronic sites such as Amazon Kindle, Allromanceebooks and others.
Please download two copies of the ebook contract from our website. Sign and send both copies to the address on the contract. Rogue Phoenix is primarly an ebook publisher, however we offer print on demand for those authors who wish to have a print book. If you are interested in POD, please download two copies of the POD contract sign both send to the same address and include a check for $70.00 for formatting. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Also please email us a copy of the Author Information Questionairre and the Cover Art Questionairre for this book if you have not already done so. Both questionairres are available on our website.
Christine Young Owner and Editor Rogue Phoenix Press

8/06/09 Books for a Buck/Publisher:
. Hi Mike,
Congratulations on being accepted elsewhere. I appreciate your patience and
will get to it asap.

Rob Preece

So that’s where I am at for Killer Commute. I’m not giving up as yet, but I feel the mystery market has shriveled up to nothing. Last night Ali and I were talking about this fact. Ten years ago, I think this would have been accepted. There was a mystery market, but what occurred to it? I feel like an old vaudeville entertainer. “Seriously folks…take my wife…please.” I’m not going to let myself get down. Nothing good would come from it, but riding on this train at this time and pulling into St James…I’d love to crack open a beer and drown it.