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I had another opportunity to pitch my manuscript to a literary agent last weekend. Her response can best be described as lukewarm, although she did ask me to send her a copy of my synopsis. Yes, there is still hope despite the fact that this novel has already been rejected twice. The first agent said, “Unfortunately, I was not as caught up in the story and characters as I had hoped.” The second explained, “Although your idea is heartwarming and intriguing, I’m afraid I couldn’t quite connect with Tessa.” I have so much invested in this project, it is impossible not to take such rejections a bit personally.
Besides, with all the self-publishing and e-publishing that is going on, who needs an agent anyway? Writers of every description are making money hand over fist, selling tens of thousands of copies of their books and pocketing 35-70% of the cover price. Do you see the dollar signs in my eyes? But there is a catch: although there is a handful of celebrated exceptions, most of these writers are established authors who already have a following and gotten their rights to previously published books back, allowing them to re-release their work in e-book form. Unknowns like myself, who have no real following and not-quite-ready manuscripts, might make a few sales, but if our writing is poor, buyers are likely to remember and will not come back for more.
So at this stage in my career, I believe the best response is to thoughtfully consider every comment offered by the experts, seeking ways to improve my manuscript. If I am told that my story is “too quiet,” maybe that means isn’t enough conflict to keep the reader turning the pages. If an agent isn’t connecting to my heroine, well, maybe I need to make her more three-dimensional and emotionally accessible. Before I put my book out there – either in front of an agent or editor or self-publish it in some format – I need to make absolutely sure that it is the best it can be.
At the same time, I think it’s important to be careful not to edit the life – or my voice – out of the manuscript. As the first agent encouraged me, “I am sure you realize someone else may feel completely differently about the story.” I am going to take all feedback into account as I complete my revisions, but I may not follow every tiny shred of advice. Ultimately, what stays and what goes is up to me.
The way I understand it, the act of writing makes me a writer; submitting for publication makes me a professional, even if those submissions are rejected. In order to receive PRO status with Romance Writers of America, one must submit only a completed manuscript along with either a publishing contract OR a rejection letter. I mailed my application on Monday, thereby joining the ranks of hundreds of RWA members as well as the company of these thirty famous authors whose works were rejected by publishers.
Now, it’s time to get started on my next project.
Have you ever read a book just because it was written by a particular author? What was the title and author and what made that writer’s work appealing to you? Writers, how do you deal with rejection?
by Pam Asberry
43 comments
Morning, Pam. There are a couple of authors whose books I buy asap: J.D. Robb (Nora), Dianna Love, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lee Child, and, before he passed away, Robert B. Parker.
Rejection I allowed to bother me for about twenty minutes. And after that, right back at it.
Welcome to the ranks of the rejected, Pam. I mean that in a good way.
Every New York Times, USA Today bestseller that I’ve heard speak has talked about their rejections. So you’re now in the same column as Nora Roberts, Stephen King, Suzanne Brockman. You get the picture. Of course, they went on to the next column, which is where we strive to go. Janet Evanovich talked at Nationals a couple of years ago saying she had a bon fire with the huge amount of rejections she’d received. Look at her now with the Stephanie Plum series.
As for authors I read based on their name, Johanna Lindsey, Christina Dodd, Cherry Adair, Maureen Child, Emilie Rose and more I’m sure I’m forgetting.
Keep going Pam, I’d love to add your name to my list.
Morning, Debbie! I am going to make a list of all the authors’ names I get today and check them out, one by one. And twenty minutes seems like a reasonable amount of time to be bothered by a rejection. From now on, I will set a timer.
Hi, Sia! I know you’re right; the thirty famous authors site was quite revealing. The truth is, my work isn’t ready. So I’ve just got to keep at it. So you can add my name to your list one day.
This was a great column. I did click on the list of famous authors who have been rejected and that gave me hope. It also made me laugh when I read comments from the publishers who’d rejected them. I read somewhere that James Patterson was rejected about 79 times before he published and I believe Dan Brown was rejected a number of times before he was successful. I like Debbie’s attitude about letting rejection bother you for about 20 minutes and then go on to the next project. But it’s not easy. Even multi-published authors in GRW are getting rejected if they try new genres, etc.
Just a handful of authors I buy immediately are Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick; Nora Roberts/JD Robb; Julie Garwood; Diana Gabaldon; Vince Flynn; Daniel Silva; Sherrilyn Kenyon; Dianna Love…and the list goes on.
Keep plugging away and never give up.
I liked Sia’s comment: Welcome to the ranks of the rejected. Because it does feel that way sometimes, though I’m thrilled to know that you’ve applied for PRO! That’s a great thing and something not to be dismissed.
Rejection is difficult. I’ve had outright rejections (“I just didn’t like your character at all”) along with some helpful comments from various professionals along the way. Personally, I have dubbed 2010 as “the year of massive rejections.”
I will say this: always keep writing. Seriously. If you want to revamp your book, do so. But I think you should keep writing or drafting ideas for others. You learn by writing and sometimes new stories help improve your craft in new ways.
In times of feeling down, I try to remind myself of the writers who wrote 9 or 10 manuscripts, then sold #9 and suddenly they were interested in seeing other manuscripts from her. We never know which one will sell, so always keep writing
Elaine
Wow, where to start. There was so much in this post I want to comment on. I suppose I’ll begin at the top. (Um, this will probably be a lengthy comment
If you haven’t already, you MUST regularly visit her blog. In a word, it’s DA BOMB (2 wrds actually) She is the queen of social networking, Twitter and FB are my 2 favorites that she touts. I know for a fact that just in the few weeks I’ve been on Twitter, that I’ve sold 4 books. Doesn’t sound like much, but if those people liked the book (which they’ve Tweeted they d
they will tell others, and so on. Also, because of constantly commenting on Kristen’s blog, PFHT, Pink Fuzzy Slippers writers, Bob Mayers blog (his is another must) My name, my brand gets out there. Now, when I google Tamara LeBlanc author, I have 3, or 4 full pages with just me, instead of none. So when an ed/agt googles me, they see I have experience, plus, they see my reviews. They can also read my Twitter feed. It’s very cool.
BUT…and this is a big ole BUT…rejections mean you are submitting. If you don’t submit, you WON’T get published.
Your novel has been rejected twice…Awesome! Yes, I said awesome, because that means you’re getting it out there. And twice is sooooooo little to be rejected.
Yes, e-publishing is booooooming, and loads of known authors are making lots of gree, but, I’m an unknown, and I’m doing pretty damn good. I made lot’s of sales so far, have gotten great reviews, and I even cashed my first check a few weeks ago. Now, though I can’t pay the morgage with my royalties, I held my own. I think a wonderful woman named Kristen Lamb http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/ is mostly responsible for that success…well, her and my writing
An absolute must for a writer, especially an unpubbed writer is to buy Kristen’s book http://www.whodareswinspublishing.com/WANA.html It changed my marketing life. And I have to thank Christine Glover for introducing her to me.
And, yes, definitely take into consideration critiques or ed/agt feedback, but, as you wisely said, DON’T edit the life out of your work. If you feel strongly about something (as long as its logical) keep it in your book. There ga-zillions of rules in romance, don’t do this, do that, and then someone else negates everything you just learned. HOOEY. Write the best book you can, make sure your heart and soul is in it, don’t make obvious grammar mistakes, and make sure GMC is there, but other than that, write YOUR book…not someone elses vision of your book.
I’m sooooo thrilled you submitted your application for Pro status!!! Hooray! This makes you a writer. hen someone asks you what you do, say, “I’m a writer!” If they ask if you’re published, say, “Not yet, but I will be very soon!”
Be positive. It will happen.
Rejections hurt…they hurt pretty darn bad (I just got one from Jenny Bent for my paranormal
Keep trying, keep dreaming up stories, keep writing them down, and always, always keep submitting!
You’ll get there.
Sorry for the novel:}
If you ever have any questions, just ask…I’m not Nora, but I’ll do my best to help. And if you just want to vent, you can do that too. (I think you have my email address) If not, let me know.
Have a great, productive, optimistic day!!!
Tamara
Marilyn, I am glad you clicked the link; that list was hilarious, and very encouraging! I will add your authors’ names to my list. And don’t worry; I might go in hiatus for a day or two, but I will never give up!
Elaine, thank you for your advice. I have come to the realization that it is time to put this first manuscript behind me and get started on another one. Curiously, the synopsis the agent asked to see isn’t that one; when she was less than enthusiastic about the conflict, I pitched last year’s NaNoWriMo story to her, and she jumped all over it. So now I must revise that book, too, but mostly I want to get started on a brand-new one, because now that I kind of know what I am doing, I think I might be able to write something that is actually GOOD!
Seriously, I know I am my own worst critic, but I am willing to admit how much I don’t know and keep doing the work. Hopefully, that will be enough to get me where I want to be: among the ranks of the PUBLISHED. 
Sweet Pam. I agree with each of our peers and the wisdom they offer. The bright spot for me is despite all of the rejections, ill-offered advice, and frustration that accompany writing there are still readers out there who want to live a story through their eyes. The days of the occassional Dickens are gone. We live in a digital world where anyone can publish a book. Thankfully the curiosity and enthusiasm over reading lives on. Great post.
Thank you, Lindy. You make an excellent point. And brought a tear to my eye! Chugga, chugga, choo, choo.
I’m so impressed by your persistence! Doggone it, you’ll be published just by sheer will and determination…not to mention your wonderful writing.
And victory will be that much sweeter.
Wow, Pamela. Your comment makes me more determined than ever. Thank you, as always, for your encouragement and support!
Hi Tamara! Thanks for stopping by, and for all the GREAT information. I discovered Kristen Lamb a few weeks ago and have been rabidly following her ever since; I finally bought her e-book, too. Ditto Bob Mayer; I plan to sign up for one of his online classes soon. There is so much quality instruction and a world of support out there, isn’t there? Not to mention Georgia Romance Writers; I don’t know what I would be doing without GRW, but I probably would have given up on writing long ago! I look to you and all the other published authors in GRW for encouragement and inspiration, and you never fail me. I hope that one day I can be that person for someone else. Thanks again!
Honestly? I only have two authors on my auto-buy list: JD Robb and Tanya Michaels/Michna. I used to buy Patricia Cornwell the same way, but then she switched to a different style POV and lost me.
Get used to the rejection because even after you sell, you won’t be immune. Your editor won’t always like what you send her and sometimes when they do, they want enough edits to make you wonder why they bought it in the first place.
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Hang in there. It’s a learning process and you’re doing great.
Carol, thanks for your recommendations. I recently read “His Valentine Surprise” and I loved Tanya’s voice and writing style, so I guess I need to check out JD Robb, too. I don’t know that I will ever “get used to” rejection but I need to develop a thicker skin. It definitely helps being able to cry on the shoulders of successful authors like yourself. Thank you for your encouragement and support!
Yep – thicker skin – that’s what I meant.
Cry on my shoulder anytime. I may need one myself from time to time.
Hey Pam!
Great post. Yay on the PRO Membership. That is something that a LOT of people cannot claim (and never will be able to because as much as some people WANT this, they just can’t finish the book). There is a lot of great advice from both you and the commenters. Rejection is tough to take and sometimes, it will put a person into a tailspin no matter how much they psych themselves up to deal with it. It happens and each person has to find their unique way of dealing with it.
Rejoice in the fact that you have both feet on “the ladder.” Now you just need to keep climbing. With each word written, each submission sent, each pitch out of the way; you are that much closer to reaching the elusive goal of publication. I can totally see you doing this, too.
My auto buy list changes all the time (guess that wouldn’t be an auto-buy then…hmmmm…). Even though she hasn’t had anything out for years, Cathleen Galitz is my first and always auto-buy. She’s the author who first got me into writing and gave me a reference to her agent. LOVE HER! I also love Dianna Love, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dan Brown, Gena Showlater, Jill Shalvis, Cindy Miles, Elle Jasper, Jennifer LeBrecque and Gillian Summers. BUT I will tell you that I peruse the shelves every month looking for the authors I know personally and I ALWAYS buy the first published books of the wonderful group of people I know at GRW and those I’ve met at M&M. I have added a lot of new names to my must read list this way.
Thanks for a fun post, Pam!
Tami
Thanks for your comments, Tami. It has been interesting reading everyone’s responses to my post; I can definitely see that each writer has his own way of dealing with rejection. And I love your ladder analogy; that’s perfect! I will definitely check out Cathleen Galitz. I have discovered so many new authors since I started this journey; that’s been a great side benefit! And, like you, I am committed to buying the published works of all my fellow GRW members. That’s a great feeling!
Hi Pam: Sorry for the R, but really, you are progressing forward! Keep writing, and keep submitting! You are A PRO writer now!! Welcome to the ranks and celebrate the fact that you are a writer, not a hobbyist.
I call each R a “trying to get published” letter and file it for the tax man. I also put money in my collection box. The more money I have, the harder I am trying.
You will get there!!
Those are some great suggestions, Christine. Just curious: how much do you pay yourself for each rejection letter? I know you are on vacation this week, so it means a lot that you took the time to stop by today. Thank you!
Carol,
I forgot about Patricia Cornwell. I read all of her books. I love her Kay Scarpetta character. Her books keep getting gorier. But I still like them.
Pam–Remember how at Hadley’s when we were in high school I said I wanted to have an interesting life? Well, I am and having it a lot of it is because it’s wonderful writing and reconnecting with friends.
We’ve discussed rejection on FB–how I feel it means you’re getting your stuff out there and taking a step down the road. I’ll be right behind you. I will edit my second novel quite a bit more, but glad I got the CD of it out to you in its current state. Lots of good advice, thanks for sharing.
As for authors I’ll run to the store and buy–Julia Quinn, Jo Beverley, Stephanie Laurens, Lisa Kleypas and Candace Camp. While the last two do contemporaries also, I’ve really prefer and read mostly Regencies. They all have strong heroines, some history and societial commentary and a sense of humor. Things we aspire to have in our contemporaries, huh? Taking steps down the path, J
Marilyn: Patricia Cornwall, eh? I will add her name to my list.
Pam,
Rejections are just part of the learning curve. I think I’m close to being the queen of them. I had over 300 on my first book. I just chose not to give up. I wanted it in print. That is not to say I didn’t think about giving up. The one up side to rejection is that I came up with a workshop out of my experience and I’m presenting it at Nationals this summer. Rejection has at least paid off in some way.
Julee, we’ve come a long way since our Mt. Carmel days, haven’t we? It is so true that writing – and writers – add so much to my life. Can’t wait to get your CD; I will read it and reply pronto! Thanks for the author recommendations; I read mostly contemporary but am looking to expand my horizons. I love it that you’re wandering down this path with me!
Oh, my must read is Linda Howard. I even liked her supernatural. I also make a point to read anything the PFHTs put on the shelf. I’m reading Sandy’s now and Marilyn’s is up next.
Susan, at my first M&M conference Mary Buckham did a workshop and at the end she showed us two suitcases full of rejection letters. That was a great visual! But all your hard work has paid off in a big way. I wish I could be at nationals; I would love to attend your workshop. Maybe next year!
Okay, Susan, Linda Howard is on my list now, too! I have read Marilyn’s story but Sandy’s books are in my TBR pile. I love supporting my PFHT sisters!
Pam, I want to applaud you for recognizing your story’s not there yet. I have finally, finally reached that moment after writing seriously for over 7 years. For the longest time, I took my rejections but couldn’t really see if my story was really ready or not. Now I can see that Beulah is really, really close, but not quite there. Other past stories? Best used as kindling.
And your post is going to play nicely into my Monday post where I’m going to talk about my revelation that good writing doesn’t necessarily make you a good writer. Hang in there! I think you’re doing beautifully.
Wow, Sally. You are being REALLY hard on yourself. Kindling? I hope I don’t feel that way about my current manuscript in seven years. But I guess I might. From what I know about “Beulah,” she is amazing. And I don’t think a book has to be PERFECT to be ready for submission. That’s what editors are for, right? I am looking forward to your Monday post. In the meantime, thanks for your encouragement. It means a lot to me!
And of course, you may well be on your way to winning GRW’s REJECTION COLLECTION!!!!! That is a good thing, means you are getting out there. It’s amazing how many folks choose to avoid rejection and stay behind the monitor. Proud of you, me, and the whole gang!
Jennifer, I would LOVE to win the rejection collection! I am proud of you, me and the whole gang, too. Go, us!!
Pam, I’m chiming in so late, it’s tomorrow! Sorry about that – I had a hard week and didn’t get back to the computer till now.
Terrific article and great comments. Lots of good stuff here. I especially liked what Tamara had to say. I’ll have to revisit this post for more pondering. Me? I’m pretty rejection-phobic. Still. It holds me back, but maybe I’ll do better this year. I’m so proud of you for becoming a PRO!
Good morning, Linsey! No worries; I’m glad you were able to stop by. Thanks for your kind words. I always learn so much from everyone’s comments. Did you sign up for the rejection collection? I am hoping that will make the sting a little less painful. We just have to hang in there!
Pam,
I’m a day late – so sorry! Congratulations on submitting for PRO. That is a major step!
I can feel your pain. Yes, I really can. Been rejected more than once and it ain’t fun! I’m still working on getting it out there. Would love to try e-pub, but have to edit (& edit & edit) first. Allow yourself a day of feeling sorry and then jump back into it.
As for reading an author. Oh yes, Lisa Scotoline, Nora Roberts (prefer that to J.D. Robb) GRW authors,and some I probably read: Martha Grimes, Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton, and, of course, Pam Asberry as soon as she is published!
Hi Maxine! It’s great to “see” you today! Thanks for your advice; my day of self-pity is over and I’m back to work. Thanks for the author recommendations, and I hope I will be worthy of being on your list one one day soon!
Hi Pam,
If it helps my ms. was rejected by 140 agents from 2008-09… i have the whole list! Don’t ever give up. You can’t afford to. And remember you are the only one who can write the stories you were born to write. Keep writing!
Anju
Wow, Anju; that does help put things in perspective. I won’t give you. Thanks for your encouragement.
Rejection is part and parcel to the industry. You have to have it. For one it’s showing you you are trying something. This is also a matter of personal tastes. As a recording artist I’ve found it to be a character building process. Your Blog gives me faith, at least I know I’ve got a kindred spirit.
Thanks, Dave, for sharing your insights as a creative person doing different work. Of course you are right. I’m glad my blog gives you faith.
Thank you for trying to describe the terminlogy to the beginners!
It’s my pleasure, Moira! Thank you for stopping by!