So last week I mentioned that some strange things occurred when I sent out a query for my nonfiction project. Basically what happened was the publisher rejected me but had an idea for another book. Here is the email:
"We don't really publish these sorts of genre surverys anymore, but I would be interested in speaking with you about a more pointed sort of book examining the recent slew of slasher films and the current state, and meaning, of Saw and other expressions of what is often termed torture porn. I would be very interested in something on the topic of, for instance "why torture porn matters," if that's of any interest. Anyway, feel free to write or call me if you would like to discuss these possibilties further. Thanks!"
Since I was sick 2 weeks ago (when I received the email), we postponed talking until this week. I called on Monday, and we talked about getting a proposal together. I'm mulling the project over in my mind, trying to figure out what I'd write about, before getting anything together.
It's possible they could reject the proposal idea. And since I'm such a pessimist, I have the feeling that they will. However, just the fact that I was asked to even consider the project is incredibly flattering. Sometimes it blows my mind how one idea can open doors for others.
The editor I talked to was so nice. Most editors are, but he was very helpful (and excited about the project) and had a lot of ideas of what he wants to see but also is giving me freedom. Like I said, I'm a little reserved about the project because who knows if it will make it past the proposal stage. There's only one way to know for sure, and I need to actually get the proposal together. I plan on working on that this weekend.
Has anything like this ever happened to you? Have you ever "fallen" into a project?
