You don’t know what I saw yesterday. Believe me. You don’t.
Yesterday was a game changer. I’m not ready to talk about it yet, but lets just say this: something was bound to give, and give it did in a very big way. So much so I didn’t even feel the passage of time for most of the day. So much so that I wasn’t certain what day it was today.
Let’s just say there will come a time when I do talk. Maybe in a week, maybe in a month. But it will come.
What do talk about, then?
Rejection.
After a month of being out with a publishing company, I finally received an email regarding one of my novels–specifically, my NaNo Novel. I knew it was a long shot to get it out there, but I went for it anyway–
The letter was a rejection. Not what they’re looking for, maybe not be sellable, various things like that. At least it wasn’t a, “Your book sucks, why are you wasting our time?” sort of letter. I went ahead and set it up as a milestone on my Author’s Page, because it is. It’s not the good sort of milestone you want to see, but if you write, and if you’re serious about wanting to be published, then you’re going to see these.
See, it means you’re trying. Every time you send a manuscript out, there’s a 50-50 chance it’s going to come back to you mutilated and stomped upon. Someone isn’t going to like it. Some suit may say it’s not going to sell. Some editor may tell you the characters are unlikable. Doesn’t matter. There will be a reason, and one of those reasons may be that your work does blow just a little–or a lot. Maybe you have to work at it a little harder.
I spoke with The Muse a little yesterday, and she said, “If there weren’t rejections, there’d be a lot more books out there.” She hasn’t been roaming about Smashwords of late–ba, da, boom! But true enough. There are a lot of things out there driving the sales of books these days, and I’d say I’ve got a one in four chance of getting any story published any time I send out a manuscript.
So what is next? Find another publisher. As Isaac Asimov stated, ”You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you’re working on another one. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success–but only if you persist.” Since the Good Doctor knew a little something about sending manuscripts out, it’s advice to take to heart. It’s one thing to say you’re writing for yourself, but you should only do that for yourself first: you gotta remember, you’re also writing for the gallery, and it’s not fair to keep them in the dark.
So, onward. I’ll start looking for another publisher today, check their submission guidelines, then get something prepped for them. Gotta do it, ’cause I gotta get that story published.
It might take a while for anyone to admit it, but there are people out there just waiting to read this novel.
I can’t keep them waiting.
July 11, 2012 at 6:59 am
I know the feeling. I have submitted to publishers and rejected by publishers. I have submitted to agents and been rejected by agents. So as the days of our lives of a writer comes to a close, I bid you good luck with the new submission if that is the way you choose to go. I understand that many writers think they need a publisher and can understand that, editors cost money and still people will make negative comments. It’s enough to make any writer scream!
July 11, 2012 at 7:01 am
I’ve done both: self published and been bought. I could self-publish my novel, but I want exposure, too. I don’t know how to get that right now, and maybe selling to a publisher will do it. And I hope you aren’t give up!
July 11, 2012 at 7:26 am
I’ve submitted to a publisher, and admittedly getting rejected left me a bit out-of-sorts and has messed with my writing block. Even though they didn’t do or say anything awful. In fact it was more turn this into a novel instead of a short story then re-send it and we’ll give it another read. I didn’t though cause I was so uncertain of myself. Though there was also the fact that I couldn’t find it in me to turn it into a novel. I’ve always been tempted to go back to it again. Anyways, I hope that you find a publisher and success with your NaNo novel.
July 11, 2012 at 7:28 am
The interesting thing is, I have another novel out with a different publisher, and it looks like something might be happening there. So who knows? I’ll just keep on keeping, and see what comes of this work.
July 11, 2012 at 7:33 am
I’m thinking about submitting my WIP Redneck Romance to a publisher if I ever finish it that is, laughs. I find a problem finding even blogs to post on. It’s seems all these writers I know feature other authors, but never ask me. Sorry my gripe at the day. Unless it’s a bigger publisher, I’m not sure if it will really give you the exposure you want. It’s a no win situation, currently I’m working with an editor for my thriller. Who knows what the future holds.
July 11, 2012 at 7:39 am
Madison, any time you want a guest shot on my blog, you got it. Don’t worry about that. I’m pretty bad about asking people, but I’ve never turned down a request.
July 11, 2012 at 7:51 am
You should check out the author Katherine Gilraine or the blogger, aspiring writer, and much more Olivia Melacoln at The Geeky Chic. They both have FB pages along with wordpress blogs, and welcome guest bloggers. So if you’re interested they wouldn’t mind being approached. If you want specific links to their stuff I can send them to you by email or something.
July 11, 2012 at 7:52 am
Kat is a friend of mine, and she’s very open to having guest bloggers. And she’s a hell of a writer, too.
July 11, 2012 at 8:39 am
I just resubscribed to your blog despite my ongoing problems with wordpress notifications – argh!
I love the determination you express in this post – I wrote a parenting column for a magazine a few years ago but previous to having this column idea accepted, I had pitched my idea to over 50 mags. Every rejection means you are closer to publishing acceptance – well that’s how I see it anyway and that’s what I used to say to my students. Onya Raymond!
July 11, 2012 at 8:40 am
Thank you! And it’s true; you just have to keep going. That’s like life as well.
July 11, 2012 at 8:42 am
So very true!
July 26, 2012 at 7:59 am
Determination and commitment! Yes, these will see you through. That and a willingness to learn, and grow and change as you learn. Writing ain’t for the faint of heart, is it? Good thing we aren’t the “faint of heart” types
July 26, 2012 at 8:04 am
It do put a lot of stress on you, that’s for sure. But you need a lot of determination to stay at it. I have to tip my hat to anyone who strives to be creative.
July 26, 2012 at 8:11 am
Yeah, I’m doing a lot of ‘striving’ myself lately, and perhaps not so much ‘succeeding.’ But it’ll come! Some day, it will come…