Being rejected by an agent or publisher can be par for the
course when you’re a writer. Although you know in your head that you’re more
likely to be rejected than accepted, it usually can’t stop your inner
monologue. Why did they tell me no? Should I give up writing completely? Why
can’t they see the sheer genius on the page?
Well, don’t break out the booze and tissues just yet.
Writers today have plenty of ways to get over the heartbreak of having their
manuscript rejected.
Learn from the Experience
Due to the high number of submissions, agents and publishers
tend to use form rejection letters. However, a few editors may take the time to
offer feedback with their rejection letter. Use these suggestions to improve
your manuscript. Resubmit with a note letting the editor know you’ve made the
requested changes and ask if they would be willing to give it a second look.
Review Guidelines
You could be just sending your work to the wrong agents and
publishers. Find agent and publisher contact information through sites like
Agent Query and Preditors and Editors. Check the websites of the contact to see
their submission requirements. If your manuscript doesn’t meet these
requirements, it will automatically end up in the slush pile.
Make a Plan B
Going indie is tres hip these days. Many of writers are
starting out through small publishers or self-publishing and finding plenty of
success. If you have a good book and a marketing plan, you can do really well
on your own. Also, for subsequent novels, publishers and agents will take
notice if you were able to move a decent amount of copies on your own.
Whatever you do, don’t stop writing! Writing should be fun
and you don’t want bad feelings associated with something you love doing. Just
focus on the work and tune out any negative influences.
Amen. WRITE ON! That's what we all have to do if we're to be writers. I just wish I took myself more seriously when I was younger. Ah well, such is life!
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