It’s the first Wednesday of the month, and time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post. So here’s my insecurity for May . . .
Last month my agent sent my manuscript to a bunch of editors from various big name publishing houses, and so far the tally is: Rejections – 6, Interest – 0.
With all these negative responses coming at me, I'm beginning to feel utterly defeated. Some of them think it's not "funky" enough. Several have said that my characters aren't the right age for my Middle Grade genre (meaning that I have to begin a whole new round of edits, to my everlasting horror). One even said that she liked the story, but not my writing style. Which basically felt like a knife to the heart, though I guess in the grand scheme of things, I'd rather her hate me than my characters, who have begun to feel very real after two very intense years working together.
I managed to stay positive during the first few rejections, but I think my optimism, always somewhat fickle, has now abandoned me all together. Anyone else feeling the same way?
Sorry about your rejections. Hang in there - you've got to be really close.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're getting a lot of feedback, and that's awesome. If you have to do a little more work on the story to get a publisher interested, then that's exactly what you have to do. Sometimes the feedback is accurate and sometimes it isn't. But with your foot in the door, you'll have more creative control. Sometimes compromise is the best initial strategy.
ReplyDeleteDon't give up. Find a new batch of publishers and keep submitting.
ReplyDeleteOne will accept, definitely. Two might as well! Your agent has faith in you and your lovely book so you're half way there. Gosh it all takes time, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of THE CUTTING EDGE. Toward the beginning, when they are auditioning skate partners for Kate, her coach (Anton Pamchenko) says they are scraping the bottom of the barrel. Her dad (played by Terry O'Quinn (John Locke from LOST)) says, "Find a new barrel." Good luck, Lauren. Just keep going for it.
ReplyDeleteI really like what Joshua said ^^^
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about the rejections. It's never a good feeling.
The comment about your writing style would cut through me! I'm the other way around to you - hate the story, don't hate me!
ReplyDeleteOoops, pressed send before I finished. On the bright side, you've got an agent, who obviously believes in your work - fingers crossed for the next round of submissions :-)
DeleteThat really, really stinks. Remember, you've done the best you can - writing a great book. Now, it's a matter of your book coming across the desk of the right editor at just the right time. Also, you have an agent - one of the major steps in getting traditionally published - and your agent believes not only in your book but also in YOU, the writer. :)
ReplyDeleteHang in there. It will all work out for the best.
You can get past this!!! So close, you can't let this get you down now.
ReplyDeleteStand in front of the mirror and repeat "I am awesome...everyone else is crazy." This works for me.lol
I'm confused as to how the age of the characters aren't appropriate?
ReplyDeleteHow invested are in traditions?
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ReplyDeleteDitto what Madeline said--you have an agent who believes in you, your writing, and your story--that's a huge accomplishment! Hopefully soon you'll hold your book in your hands :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI thought querying was bad ... but submission was worse. It felt like getting all the way to the finish line and then having somebody yank the rug out from under me. (Mixed metaphors, but you get it.)
ReplyDeleteBut here's a secret. The first book my agent submitted didn't get snapped up. But the second one sold. The first one went back for revisions based on feedback, and we'll try it again this summer.
Keep writing, and just remember: The order in which you create them might not be the order in which they sell.
I know exactly how you feel. We all get rejections and they do get us down, but we keep writing. Because that one yes makes all the difference in the world. And you will get it sooner or later. :)
ReplyDeleteI can only hope to be where you are someday. Keep at it, someone will love what you do!
ReplyDelete-MJ visiting from the support group
I feel the need to state this quote often, especially now: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” :) Keep moving forward!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so sorry. I haven't even begun to query yet, so I haven't experienced writing-rejection yet, but my writing group hasn't been loving my revision lately, so that's depressing. But keep on keepin' on. As Charles La Mar would say, "Buck up little camper. We'll beat this hill together."
ReplyDeleteGetting published is very difficult, some authors accumulate over a hundred rejections before getting published. Don't give up! Keep writing and submitting and you will get there! BTW, do you have any info on your story? I would love to hear more.
ReplyDeleteAndrea