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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Insecure Writer's Support Group

It’s the first Wednesday of the month, and time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post. Thanks again to Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting this outlet for writers every month! So here’s my insecurity for September . . .


I’ve been trying lately to be more positive about manuscript rejections. When you’ve gotten as many as I have, you have to stop taking them so personally. And my wonderful agent has assured me many times that if I just hang in there a little longer, we’ll find the right fit. And after all the self-indulgent moping I've done, I figured enough is enough. 

However, while I’ve done my best to prepare for editors that just don’t get my “vision” (to their everlasting regret someday, you know, when I’m a bestseller and making my publisher rich). But what I haven’t yet mastered is the art of brushing off a rejection from an editor that loved my work. 

Yesterday my agent forwarded a rejection in which the editor said they loved my “whiz-kid” protagonist, emphasis on self-made heroes, and revisionist historical elements, as well as likening my novel to Michael Chabon’s The Amazing Adventures of Kalavier and Clay – one of my favorite books. And while I found these comments terribly flattering – and will perhaps later think of them as a balm for my scorched soul – it only made it that much more painful when said editor rejected my manuscript because they were already representing a novel about superheroes and thus didn’t have an opening in their literary lineup.

Talk about heartbreak.

I fear that in light of yesterday’s rejection, I’m not able to muster up any words of encouragement for other insecure writers this month. But if there’s anyone out there going through what I’m going through, just know that you’re in good company. I’ll be sure to lift a glass for you at my pity party. Cheers!


27 comments:

  1. Hang in there, Lauren. The stars and planets would align soon enough.

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  2. Awwww, everything happens for a reason! Maybe it just means that when you get an editor to say YES you'll get more money for it! And look on the bright side... you have an agent! You've gotten further than most writers ever do! Cheer up! Look at the sun! Drink some tea (or coffee if you're that kind of person.) Happy Insecure Writer's Post! (From a fellow insecure writer :D)

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  3. Oh, I SO get this! As a matter of fact, I recently GOT it -- negative feedback from an editor who loved one of my other books. In fact, it took two days for it to really sink in that it wasn't negative feedback at all. It was feedback. A R&R was requested. Yes, I am feeling insecure, but I also feel proud that someone has enough faith in me to think I can fix the problem.

    There's not much you can do about your book not fitting in the line-up of this publishing house. But it's bad luck/bad timing -- not a reflection on your work.

    Your agent is right. You will find the right place!

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    1. That must have been really rough, but your outlook on the whole situation seems really positive and upbeat. I'll try to follow your example and do the same. Thanks for giving me a different perspective!

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  4. It must be tough to be so close to finding publication, and then be rejected once again! Maybe that's what makes this particular rejection so difficult--the closer one gets to finally seeing one's words in print, the harder it is to miss out once again!
    I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Your manuscript sounds like a winner in search of the right fit.
    Meanwhile, perhaps writing another story would take your mind off your troubles?

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    1. Yup, that's the plan. I'm distracting myself with a brand new WIP. An excellent distraction if there ever was one.

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  5. All in the timing! And with that response, your time will come. Believe.

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    1. I'm doing my best. And until then, as they say, just keep swimming.

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  6. I'm equipped to handle rejection. It's part of the BA in Theatre. Also, seconded to Alex's comment.

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  7. Aw, that's rough. Not a lot to do about that but remind yourself "right editor, right time." It's out of your control, so go ahead and wallow in the pain for a day or so, and then get back to what you can control: writing the next one.

    Erin

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  8. Yep. It hurts to get that close and then still come up short. It really does. When it happened to me, it took a while (probably too long) to get over it. But I managed. Eventually.

    Best of luck with it. You will find the right place; I know it.

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  9. Maybe I say this too much, but why are you trying to pay a publisher to sell your book for you? Because, really, they'll keep all the money. And, probably, you'll have to do all the marketing yourself to sell it, so, basically, you'll be paying them to take money from you.

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    1. I disagree with you about publishing houses. I think self publication is a wonderful means of getting your work out there, and I am an avid supporter of it. However, I am trying a different path for this manuscript, one that I believe in and support as well.

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    2. Fair enough. Figured I should say it, though.

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  10. That is an encouraging rejection, though, if there is such a thing! If this editor loved it, surely another one will too.

    Allison (Geek Banter)

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  11. I'm so sorry. That is heartbreaking but it also means you have an amazing amount of talent!

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  12. You're so close. Don't give into the negativity others create. BELIEVE!

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  13. You WILL find a place for your book. Just keep repeating this. And eat lots of carbs.ha

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  14. Rejection makes acceptance all the more sweeter

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  15. Well, I understand. It's like how losing the superbowl is more painful than going oh-fer for the whole season. Getting right to the precipice before being rejected is awful. You'll get there. Then you can make the world eat your s#!t

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  16. I see it as a good step in the right direction. Now you can fully squash any doubts that what you've written is anything less than awesome :)

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  17. Don't give up! If they liked it but won't publish it, chances are someone WILL publish it. Keep up the good work!

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  18. I know the feeling - a day late and a dollar short, isn't that what they say? The same thing happened to me with my last book although with agents rather than editors. Jamie makes a good point though; if they loved it that much someone else will, too.

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  19. That must have been a hard rejection. I'm sure your book will find a home, though! Especially if you've come close in the past. :)

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  20. You're a rock star, remember? Don't let 'em bring you down! YOU WILL MAKE IT!!!

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