Parchment Paths

I've read that that one of the worst things an author can do is think of their book as a baby because the emotional attachment will blind them to critiques. None the less, dropping my manuscript off at the post office to be mailed out was like leaving my baby on a doorstep. I did, after all,  create and nurture the thing.  The experience got me thinking. Is it really so bad to think of your book as a baby as long as you realize that it's going to be criticized? Isn't that what happens to real children? They grow, go to school, are praised  when they succeed and encouraged and instructed when they fail? Sometimes the criticisms are unjustified and sometimes they are. Parents talk to their children about the experiences and hope they learn from them. Of course this is where the analogy ends because a parent cannot change the child not matter how much they may wish to. An author can make changes to their work if they agree with the editor or agent.  Perhaps the books should

My first novel submission adventure continues! I found a suitable mailing box as well as an envelope should, the publisher see the need to return the manuscript to me. Right now I'm refining my cover letter. Since it's the first impression of my story I want it to be good. The challenge is explaining a fantasy novel in a unique and intriguing way. Fantasy is so popular right now so I know it will be difficult to make my novel stand out. I enlisted a good friend to edit my letter for me, something I highly recommend, particularly someone who has not read your book. Why? Because, they will let you know if you're deception makes them want to read the book. Also, fresh eyes are always useful. I also recommend finding sample letters for the basic form.  Fiction Forum    has some great advise and several sample  letters, I know this isn't going to be all sunshine and unicorns, but  I have faith  that Unseen and it's amazing people and places will be published and shared.