Publishing can be
a rewarding field to work in—especially when it involves helping other authors
achieve their dreams. There’s nothing like the feeling that comes from offering
a writer a contract.
But when I first took on my two roles in publishing, I
didn’t quite take into account the fact that I would have to say “no” more
often than I said “yes.” As an author myself, I understand the determination
writers have toward reaching their dreams. I can relate with the emotional
roller coaster that writers often find themselves on throughout this crazy
journey.
And I know what
it’s like to work so hard and have
your hopes set on a specific publisher or agent, only to have yet another door shut in your face. A
door that you thought for sure could
be the one to lead you toward your dream.
So trust me when
I say that it’s painful for me to write
rejections as well. Since I’m passionate about motiving writers to achieve
their dreams, it’s hard for me to realize that my rejection letter could
accomplish the exact opposite. These letters could be a source of discouragement rather than
encouragement.
Of course, I
always try to come across as encouraging, even in the rejections. But it
could still hurt the writer who is on the receiving end. The
simple fact that they reached yet another
closed door could tempt them to give up.
The hard truth
is, rejections are part of the journey.
It’s inevitable. Yet even though us writers might know this, it still doesn’t
take away the sting. You might be prepared to receive these letters, but it
still doesn’t take away the discouragement. After a while, you might begin to
wonder if the journey is even worth the effort. Besides, how is an aspiring
author supposed to reach the land of
publishing if every route she’s tried seems blocked—as if it leads to a
dead end?
When we reach the
point when the rejections seem endless, I think it’s important to take a pause.
A breather. Remind yourself of why you’ve decided to set out on this voyage to
begin with. Allow yourself to dream
again.
Then, the next
time you receive a rejection, remind yourself of the following truths…
1 – It’s all about perspective.
A rejection
doesn’t mean you’re not a good writer, nor does it mean you won’t be published
someday. It simply means that your project is not right for the agent or editor
at this time. However, it might also mean that your book still needs some work.
Did you set out
on the voyage toward your dreams prematurely? Should you go back to the
starting line and spend more time honing your craft?
Remember: This is
a journey, not a race.
2 – There are still other options.
The great thing
about today’s publishing world is that there are multiple options for aspiring
authors. There will always be another agent. Multiple smaller houses are
providing aspiring authors with the chance to reach their publishing dreams as
well. Self-published authors are beginning to earn more respect in the
industry. Plus, you could always put the manuscript you’re shopping in your
drawer for now and try to pitch another project instead.
The point is,
there are always options. A rejection isn’t the end of the road. You simply
need to decide which step to take next.
3 – You’re trying to find the perfect editor or agent for your
project. Rejections mean that person was not the right fit. (For now, at
least.)
Can I remind you
of this genius quote by Thomas Edison?
“I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000
ways that won’t work.”
If you receive
another rejection, remind yourself that you didn’t fail. You just found yet
another person who isn’t right for your project. But that doesn’t mean the
right person won't come along at the right time. (Why is this
starting to sound like a post on relationship advice? Haha)
4 – Every successful writer has dealt with
rejection at some point.
Again, rejection
is simply part of the journey toward publication.
“J.K. Rowling’s first ‘Harry Potter’ was
rejection 12 times. Stephen King’s ‘Carrie’ was rejected 38 times. I was
immensely proud to have beaten them all.”
– Ashwin Sanghi
5 – The dream will never come to pass if
you don’t keep striving toward it.
Wouldn’t you
rather try and be rejected rather than live with the regret of not trying at
all?
“It is impossible to live without failing
at something … unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have
lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.”
– J.K. Rowling
So this year, as
you continue to trek along your path toward publication, remind yourself that progress is better than being stagnant. Reaching a closed door is better than to never have knocked on the door in the first place. Besides, the simple fact
that you wrote a book and you’re attempting to navigate the waters of
publishing should be something to be proud of! You’re already farther ahead
than several writers who only dream
about writing a book.
The writing journey is
simply that—a journey.
A journey that’s
often filled with setbacks, failures, and mistakes.
Yet there are bright moments along the
journey as well. Moments
when you reach milestones that are worth celebrating. Moments when you learn to
take constructive criticism and use that to catapult you further in your craft.
Times when you hear back from readers who tell you that they couldn’t put your
story down. Times when you might win contests or finally sign with your dream agent.
Those
are the moments that will make this journey—and yes, even the
rejections—worthwhile in the end.
“I love my rejection slips. They show me I try.”
– Sylvia Plath
