First, the news: Sunday evening, I finished the edits/additions to NAVAJO ROSE. I added another chapter and a short epilogue. I’m actually pretty satisfied with it.
Second, the problem: I had intended to get NR in the mail yesterday. However, I goofed up on the cover letter. I corrected that last night and repackaged it to mail today. I don’t drive, so when someone volunteered to take it to the post office for me, I agreed. I gave them the money and the packaged manuscript.
They didn’t take it to the actual post office but to another place that is also a drop for the PO that has their own mail box rentals. That ordinarily would not be a problem. The problem comes in when they didn’t send it the way I asked that they do it.
I know what they were thinking. They thought they would save me some money. So instead of sending it Priority Mail, they had it repackaged and sent UPS ground, which requires a signature on delivery.
Sending something via private courier or requiring a signature is a big no-no. Especially the bit about the signature.
In the morning, I have to go buy paper and print all 260 pages out again with a new copy of the cover letter and synopsis. By noon, I WILL have it at the post office. I will go myself and send it Priority Mail with delivery confirmation, which does not require a signature.
I know their intentions were good, but it has caused a bit of a problem for me. I just hope that for some reason, the UPS package comes back to me.
There is something else news-worthy to come out of this, though.
This evening, I downloaded, printed, and completed the application for the Romance Writers of America PRO designation. It’s signed, sealed, and waiting for tomorrow’s mail.
Filed under: editing, writing , application, Jen Nipps, jennipps, Navajo Rose, post office, Romance Writers of America, RWA, RWA PRO, UPS, write, writer, writing
I recommend sending a short email to the editor/agent who can now expect the UPS delivery. Explain that an error in postage handling has caused the package to be sent UPS with signature confirmation. It IS usually a big no-no but if you considerately explain the situation, make them aware that you’re willing to resent the manuscript Priority Post they may simply tell you that they are happy to sign and understand the problem.
Honestly, while it’s commonly NOT a good idea, when it is a mistake an agent/editor WILL understand if you explain it to them in a short email. It’s not going to get you black listed with them and you may not need to send a second package if they accept your error and agree to simply sign for the package.
Oh, and another HUGE congratulations on finishing the latest edits! That’s a major accomplishment! Good Luck for your RWA application too! You’re a novelist now!
Thanks. I’ll see if I can find an e-mail addy for her. She doesn’t accept e-mail queries or subs at all and she doesn’t publish her e-mail addy or hand it out at conferences.
This is technically the 3rd romance manuscript I’ve finished.
The first two are historicals. The next one will be historical, too. Then another contemporary….lol