We hit the send button, then sit back and wait and fret and wait and check our inbox and wait some more. After weeks or even months of waiting in anticipation of the golden words “Send me more” or “I’d love to talk to you about representation,” we hear the ding of new mail. Unfortunately, more often than not, we open the email to read something along the lines of, “Thanks. It’s not for me.”
Rejection is a part of the publishing world as much as inspiration is a part of writing. There are some of us who write simply for the joy of it and are content to have our close circle of family and friends read our work. Many of us, however, write not only for the joy of the practice, but we write to share our stories with the everyday reader, the stranger, the person whose life will be more complete by reading our work. We write so that many more can share in our worlds and imaginary tales.
Grandiose? Maybe.
Probable? Maybe not.
Worth a shot? You betcha.
The sting of rejection may hurt initially, but with the right mindset and the proper motivation, that sting can lead to success.
Rejection leads to reflection.
Agents and editors oftentimes receive hundreds of queries on a weekly basis. Those boutique agencies or smaller publishing houses may receive hundreds of submissions on a monthly basis. Regardless, most of these professionals, even those on the look-out for the next big thing, will have a narrow window of how many new clients or new books to take on. That means that out of hundreds monthly, maybe one or two will be selected. That’s a lot of submissions left over! Many of these submissions are good, but lacked that “something” the agent or editor was looking for. Being objective can be difficult, especially pertaining to our own work. However, if you have received several rejections in a row, it’s time to consider the strength of your query/synopsis/sample chapter.
Rejection leads to practice.
I’ve been rejected well over 200 times. I actually stopped counting when I reached 200 because it got depressing. That was years ago. Each of the rejections stung. Even though I’ve endured many rejections, I have to admit that I’ve also gotten better at writing. From start to today is thirteen years. But I never quit. I kept writing, and then I wrote some more. Now I have two traditionally published books: NO LONGER REJECTED (an inspirational nonfiction book) and THE SECRET HEIR (a YA historical fiction book).
Rejection leads to connection.
Who better to understand writer’s woes than other writers? One thing about rejection is that all writers have experienced it. And, yes, I mean all. Even the heavyweights have been rejected. And if for some crazy reason an author hasn’t ever been rejected, then they haven’t started querying yet. Some of my greatest connections have come through fellow writers. Writers who understood what I was going through. It’s a support network and keeps you going. So, if you have yet to connect with fellow writers, it’s time you do. Attend an SCBWI conference (or another writer’s conference) and start a local writer’s group. Lean on each other. Because this same group of people will also be your biggest supporters when your book sees the light of day (and yes, I’m looking at you, my kindred spirits).
Rejection leads to revision.
It’s hard to admit this, but our writing is not perfect. Ouch. Sorry. I realize that a finished book is like our baby, and we all know that babies are perfect little angels from on-high (insert eye-roll). In all seriousness, our books need revision. Lots of it. Never, ever send your book to an agent or editor without reworking and revising the entire manuscript. If you feel that it’s ready, yet you keep receiving those pesky rejections, then it’s time to take an honest look at that precious book baby. Revision is in order. I’ve rewritten entire manuscripts. Then rewrote it again.
Rejection leads to growth.
This is so important. We should want to grow as writers. We should want to improve our craft. Even though rejection feels worse than stubbing your toe and stepping on Legos at the same time, it is best used as a refining tool. True growth means tackling writing daily. It means making writing a habit. The best way to grow from rejection is to examine your writing with a fresh perspective and a critical eye. And keep writing because success will never happen if you let rejections get the best of you.
I may have dealt with over 200 rejections, but I am better as a writer because of it. Not only am I better writer, but I am also a published author. And it doesn’t get sweeter than that.
Coming up on the Mitten Blog: Next Friday, Charlie Barshaw is back with our quarterly Writer Spotlight feature where he interviews SCBWI-MI members from around the state - it could be you! In October, Patti Richards will trumpet your success in our quarterly Hugs and Hurrahs feature. Please email Patti your good news about writing, illustrating, and publishing by October 9th to be included. And our blog will soon have a new fall-themed banner. Nina Goebel will interview and introduce our new Featured Illustrator in a few weeks.
Happy back-to-school!
Kristin Lenz
Thanks, Janice, for the excellent insight and advice!
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