See this? This is the smug, 'I'm getting on with writing my new book' smile being wiped off my face. I've had just had the nicest letter anyone could hope to have from an editor saying lovely things about my writing and my book... and rejecting it. Back to the berludy grindstone.
20 comments:
Yuck. They're the worst because you wonder why, if they loved it so much, they couldn't take it on.
Still, if it pleases one, it will probably please another even more.
Exactly! Thanks Graeme! It really doesn't get any easier.
Oh Chris! I so know how you are feeling. The no but letter isn't really much better than the no. But the thing is, you keep on trying.
All the best with your NEXT sub! You will get there.It's keeping going that ensures that. x
It must be really tough but lovely comments and a no has to be better than negative ones and a no. As Graeme says someone will like it enough to take it on. Just hang on in there.
Thanks both. My head hurts going round in circles re-reading the email!
But they liked your writing Chris. AND your book. They liked it with no quibbles. You could go googley eyed wondering why they didn't take it on, but celebrate the fact they said lovely things and send it out to the next one.
You WILL get there Chris - look at Cally! You need a few rejections so that when the moment comes you know you've earnt it! Rx
Oh that's horrible, but as the others have said, at least they liked it, so it must be good.
Keep going, you'll definately get there in the end. x
Okay I'm no expert: one submission, one (polite but no reason given) rejection; but here's what I think the pattern of action ought to be...
Rejection with no info: Cannot take any other action apart from moving on. Possibly a good cry first, but then move on and re-sub.
Rejection with praise for writing: You have to assume the reasons for rejection were other than quality. Possibly market forces, strong competition or such. Cry. Move on.
Rejection with criticism (hopefully constructive): At first reading, this might seem to be the worst kind of rejection. However, I think it's the best! Why? Because there is clear cut action you can take, assuming you accept the critique as valid. Improve! So cry, make improvements, re-sub...
Okay, that was my rather naive take on things. The "Mr Spock" approach, if you like. Logical but no emotion. I'm sure when my turn comes I'll forget all this and just throw all my toys out of the pram.
So, ChrisH, I hope we're giving you a good pat on the back, and you're fired up and ready for the next stage. After all, there are no improvements to make, just keep on submitting.
The very best of luck.
AW, sorry to hear that ~ but on the bright side, at least they didn't reject you and say that they hated the manuscript :-)
Box the thing up and send it to the next editor on your list.
If the editor said anything useful about your writing, take it to heart on your next project. DO NOT bother changing what you've got -- the guy giving the advice has already passed on buying and the next guy may have different tastes.
However, remember this editor. If the person who buys your current ms passes on the next, send it to this guy. With a cover letter that says something along the lines of "I know my infant-vampires-vs.-chainsaw-nuns coming of age story wasn't quite right for your house, but your insightful comments influenced my crafting of this light-hearted comedy set in a burning TB ward." (You might want to touch that up a bit.) Obviously don't sound like you're kissing something you really don't want to, but if you can legitimately make a connection with the editor, do so.
Thank you so much for your support - you know how it is when it sometimes really gets you? That's how it was this time! I buried my nose in the bottom of a whisky glass and went out to hear some live music... and when I returned there was another email from the editor saying if 'things change' they'll get back to me. Well, I'm not holding my breath but at least, as you say, they didn't say 'Stick your rotten script where the sun don't shine!'
I do appreciate your help, folks, and that's not just the whisky talking.
Oh Chris, I'm so sorry, but that's so exciting. Everyone's said above me and I know I've got no experience of any of this yet, but...
It's great. I know it's not as great as having them want to take you on, but it's bloody brilliant they were positive.
Big hugs. Pick yourself up, dust yourself down ... and start all over again.
What JJ said. You've got a good product; if you hadn't the editor would have responded differently, or not at all.
An insurance salesman told me once that rejections don't get him down because each one moves him a step closer to the acceptance. I try to remember that when submitting.
Chris- what everyone else said.
It means that you are there - it was just the wrong time and in the current market we all will probably hear more of that.
Get the book straight back out there. You now know how good it is - be confident and get back to the wip!!!
lx
As rejections go, that's a really good one! Hope you're feeling better today :o)
See this? This is a (((((hug))))) for you, because all the wise words have already been said. Now get that MS back out there.
Thanks again, everyone. I woke up - had another big cry - and now I'm good to go!
Oh Chris I am sorry. I had two of those last year and it still really hurts - but get it back in the post on Monday. Big hugs!
It's only one editor, and they don't say good stuff unless they meant it, but gawd, I know how you feel. I get these all the bloody time. I've lost count but it must be well over 50 by now. So I pay very little attention, and just get on with whatever I'm doing. But yes, it's annoying.
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