Comments on: Rejection Woes

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:27:45 +0000

I have some wonderful and supportive critique partners. And you are so right, Jamie. They have really helped me make my work stronger. The self-doubting monster is something I’ll have to tackle on my own.

Thanks for your comments too, Beppie and Jane!

By: jamiecolette

jamiecolette — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:13:48 +0000

I have gotten TONS of rejections in the past, and I never really had a problem with giving up. I have always known deep inside my heart that I was meant to be a published author. Do you have a critique partner? I have felt more positive about my work since I have let other authors critique my work. They give me suggestions and advice on how I can improve my story. You may get rejected a few times, but then, you never know what is waiting for you just around the corner.

By: beppieharrison

beppieharrison — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:14:54 +0000

Wish there was something bright and new to say, but if there is I can’t think of it. I guess what keeps me doing it is the plain fact that you can’t get an acceptance if you don’t submit. Sure, you might get a rejection (and in fact the odds are that you will, statistically speaking) but unless you put yourself out there, you’re sure as heck not going to be published.

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:56:52 +0000

Rejection never gets easier, but you just have to keep telling yourself that you must move on and try again.

By: melissa

melissa — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:30:57 +0000

Thanks Amy and Vicki! Just knowing I’m not alone in this makes me feel better. I’m going to remember that No’s can’t hurt me and keep my eyes on the prize!

By: melissa

melissa — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:25:26 +0000

Christi’s story is amazing, Keri! William sent me a link to it as well. Thank you both so much!! Never say never! And Never quit!! Got it!!

By: Vicki

Vicki — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:48:53 +0000

They don’t really hurt me, but then I’ve been trained to know that No’s can’t actually hurt. I’m not saying I like them. I guess it’s the fact that without them we can’t get published. Most people never submit book one, query one, and become a published author.

When I’ve listened to other big time author’s tell their true stories of the rejections they received before publication, I realized if they could get them then it’s part of the journey and I’ll continue forward.

By: Amy Talley

Amy Talley — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:43:07 +0000

When I was new, it was pretty disheartening. Now, I just say, “Oh, well” and move on. I don’t take it personally, even if it starts to feel that way. It does bother me, sure, but I try really hard not to let it. Everyone gets rejected before they sell. I mean there’s probably one person who hasn’t (heck, maybe two) but most everyone else has a big file of rejections. Hey, at least you made your rejection box pretty.

By: Keri Ford

Keri Ford — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:15:56 +0000

Read this post, Melissa! I found the link on Janet Reid’s blog:

http://www.murderati.com/blog/2009/4/19/how-do-you-know-when-to-quit.html

About halfway through, she talks about a speech Christie Craig did on rejections and when to quit. Sounds amazing and wish I could have been there to see it.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:43:32 +0000

You need to bottle that nerve and sell it, Keri! You’d make a bundle. LOL I sent out this manuscript as soon as I wrote the end thinking it was wonderful. That was over five years ago. I’m horrified when I think about how sad it was at the time. Now with all I’ve learned about craft and the publishing side, it’s made it harder to submit. Ignorance is bliss as they say.