Let’s not beat around the bush: rejection sucks. Yet, it’s something writers must manage throughout their career.
I had my quarterly meeting with my agent, Stacey Kondla (one of our coaches), a while back where we discussed the status of my projects out on submission with publishers, feedback on my latest manuscripts, and what I’m currently working on (and when she can expect to receive it.)
What rejection feels like…
My latest novel out on submission is getting rejected. Everywhere. Constantly. The first time it was rejected, I was devastated. This (bias alert) wonderful book I’d spent years crafting was getting zero traction with publishers. I cried. I called my mom and closest friends to lament what a terrible writer I was and how “everyone” hated my book.
This happened with the second and third rejections. Death by a thousand paper cuts. I then asked my agent to stop telling me about each rejection. Rather, I asked for quarterly updates where she’d share a list of all the publishers we’d sent the manuscript to, and which ones had passed on it. Sure, I was getting a list of 12-15 publishers who’d passed every time we met but it was easier to take than getting an email every two or three days letting me know that so-and-so had rejected my manuscript. My ice cream consumption has decreased significantly.
Reasons for rejection and Christina learns a little something
Flash forward to now, and my manuscript is still being rejected but I’ve gotten feedback from a few publishers as to why:
“Great book, but I’ve already got something on my list that would compete with this.”
“Loved the book, but it deals with grief and I’m looking for something more escapist.”
“Characters are amazing, great story, but I’ve already filled my middle grade quota for the year. Keep me in mind for the author’s next book.”
This is when I finally realized I needed to separate the personal from the work. Publishers weren’t rejecting me—I wasn’t my manuscript. We were separate things, even if I had imbued that book with bits and pieces of my life. Even if I had said no to hundreds of social events to work on that book. Even if I’d spent less time with my family and friends while I locked myself away in the office to write that book.
Rejection wasn’t personal. So, I needed to stop making it personal.
Publishing world is subjective
The publishing world is subjective. It’s not enough to have a great book. It needs to be:
a great book
read by the right Acquisitions Editor
at the right time (before their quota is filled)
with the right storyline (romantasy is the latest trend. Thanks a lot, Fourth Wing.)
who is willing to champion your book
then convince the publisher that they should snap it up
then convince the marketing team it’s sellable
then…well, you get the point.
It’s never been more important to make sure your book is the best it can be. There was a time when literary agents and publishers would buy a book based on the idea. It was okay if it wasn’t perfect—the acquiring editor would work with you to shape and improve the book. They had time to do that. Editors have even shared horror stories with me where they had to write half the book themselves to make it publishable.
But those days are gone… Editors are far too busy to do that kind of work anymore. If the book isn’t perfect, it won’t be read beyond the first five pages by the publisher. Writers are expected to invest in editors (developmental/structural editors, line editors, copy editors, and proofreaders) before querying a literary agent.
So, why am I sharing this with you?
One, if your work is getting rejected out there, it doesn’t mean it’s because it’s not good. It doesn’t mean YOU’RE not good.
And two, please take the time to make your book as good as it can be before querying or approaching publishers. A good book starts with a writer alone with their keyboard and an idea, but a great book ends with critique groups, beta readers, sensitivity readers, literary agents, editors, and a whole host of publishing experts.
Check out our group coaching programs where you’ll get feedback from literary agents to transform your good book into a great book. With their feedback and experience, you’ll have less drafts to write, grow as a storyteller, and spend far less money on rounds and rounds of editing to make your book good enough to query.Find your coach and make your book great.
P.S.: Have you struggled with rejection too? If so, I’d love for you to hit reply and tell me your tips for dealing with rejection. I could definitely use them right now...or there'll be no ice cream left for anyone this summer.
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