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I had another rejection yesterday, they can be a bit like buses in that way. I'm now only waiting to hear from one query letter I sent out at the same time. The latest was from Frances Lincoln Ltd and I must admit they were a bit of a long shot but they have some really interesting titles in their catalogue. I have no complaints about this rejection, it was nicely worded and reasonably personal. It said: "I acknowedge receipt of your submission, with thanks. Frances Lincoln does have a very small number of chapter books, but its focus is exclusively on multicultural issues and I'm afraid that your book, with its strong science fiction element, does not fall directly enough into this category. For this reason I am returning your material on Dr Midas and the Pirates to you today. I wish you the best of luck in finding a suitable publisher for your book." The letter has been sent from Antonia Prescott, 'Reader and Consultant for Children's Writers' of the story studio. I've not heard of this company before but I'll be having a look at their website later. I have found another agent to try so I'm sending out a new query letter, outline and sample chapters today. I have also sent a short story to My Weekly. I have only ever tried to have one other short story published in a women's magazine before and that was many years ago. I can't even recall what it was about but I know Take a Break rejected it. My Weekly have given their magazine a makeover and are now asking for specific story types with new guidelines being issued every few months. I understand they get tonnes of stories, but I'll let youknow if I get a response. I've also been working on something new that feels to big to be a short story. I've written about 800 words and it was prompted by an article a colleague gave me. I'm really enjoying writing it and the character turned up fully formed. I have a good idea what will happen, but I'm a bit nervous as it has a distinctly romantic feel about it and that's going to be quite new to me as a writer. I've put Khmers to one side for this which is also not like me. I'm also wondering if it would be suitable for the Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices competition. I guess I'll just have to see.