Before I discuss rejections, I had to look up Merriam-Webster’s definition:
Rejection: 1 a: to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use
I found it interesting that Merriam-Webster’s first reference was at the heart of a writer’s issue. But, remember, the impact of the rejection is that of our choosing.
I’m an extreme optimist. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I believe, however tragic, good can be found in any situation. It’s up to us to look past the hurt, to find the lessons within the challenging situation which will make us better, and will make us stronger.
Lets face it, if you decide to write and submit your stories, rejections are part of the process. Instead of focusing on the negativity of a rejection, let’s breakdown some of the many reasons why an agent or an editor doesn’t accept your work:
1. Their client list or book slots for a certain period is full – a pure business circumstance – not a rejection.
2. The agent or editor doesn’t connect with your voice. As an author, we want the person who is marketing our novel to not only believe in our work, but to be passionate about it as well. Anything less and they won’t market your work to booksellers and other venues to the fullest extent. So, a pass by an agent or an editor allows you to connect with another business professional who totally believes in your writing.
3. Your work is sub par – [show vs. tell.] less is more. I’ve always thought the amazing thing about writing is that each of us believes our current work-in-progress is the most amazing, well-written story. This belief, however realistic, is necessary for us to dedicate the months necessary to finish the novel. However brilliant your work, until it’s strong, emotionally evocative writing, it won’t be competitive in today’s market. Use the rejection as a tool to let you really focus on your story, to ensure it’s your strongest writing.
If you are fortunate enough to receive feedback from an agent or editor,
review it. Does the feedback make sense to you? Do you think it will strengthen
your novel? If so, use their comments as a base to tighten your work further for
future submissions.
The bottom line is, once your novel is completed, it’s a marketable
resource. If you don’t sell your book at this moment, don’t despair. Down the
road, pull it out, tighten it to a target market, then resubmit it.
4. Something about your story doesn’t fit their guidelines. It’s really important before you decide to submit your work to a line, that you’ve done your research. If your novel is about a shape shifter and you submit it to a line seeking inspirational stories, odds are you are going to receive a thanks but no thanks. Okay, so I used an extreme example, but I hope you see my point. It’s imperative to ensure your story is targeted at the correct market venue. Otherwise, it’s not a rejection, but a letter stating that your work doesn’t fit their line, which makes sense.
Rejections are tough to receive. When I hit 100, I quit counting them. I figured that I’d learned how to acquire them. 
But, I also learned the value of a rejection, that they’re far more than a slip of paper dismissing my work. Rejections are proof that I’m a dedicated professional, that I’m a writer who dares to believe in myself enough to submit my work, and most of all, a person who follows their dreams. Adversity tests if we truly want to write. Nothing worth anything is ever easy. Never give up – perseverance is the key. My sincere best to each of you as you follow your heart.
Thank you for stopping by!
Diana Cosby
www.dianacosby.com
U.S. Navy Chief Meteorologist/Oceanographer, Diana Cosby, an award-winning international author, began her last tour in the military by re-enlisting on the back of a camel in Tangier, Africa. With 32 moves and an incredible career, she decided to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met over the years. Her years of living in Europe influenced her decision to write in the medieval time frame, hence the MacGruder brothers were born.
Her second novel in the MacGruder Brothers series, “His Woman,” is available now:
Amazon.com
B&N.com
Amazon.com in Canada
His Woman – 4 Stars – HOT“Former lovers find each other again in book two of Cosby’s Scottish trilogy. She deftly combines historical accuracy, well-rounded characters and continuous action in this sweeping romance, which should keep readers engaged until the last page.”
- Romantic Times
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Hi Diane,
I’m still waiting for my first rejection (lol)! So I’ve got a way to go to catch up, but I’m sure I’ll get there.
I do have a few questions. I submitted a synopsis and first 40 pages to an editor after pitching the story to her in person at RWA nationals. Well, that was in July – July 29 to be exact. She replied to my email after I sent it, and I haven’t heard word one. I also sent her an email a month ago – just a ‘checking in’ if you have questions, let me know’ tone.
Is this just part of the waiting game I’ve got to get used to?
Sincerely,
Four months and counting…
Denny
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I’m still waiting for my first rejection (lol)! So I’ve got a way to go to catch up, but I’m sure I’ll get there.
~Hi Denny, look at each rejection as a badge of courage and proof you’re pursuing your dreams! And don’t forget it’s proof for taxes that you’re indeed a professional!
I do have a few questions. I submitted a synopsis and first 40 pages to an editor after pitching the story to her in person at RWA nationals. Well, that was in July – July 29 to be exact. She replied to my email after I sent it, and I haven’t heard word one. I also sent her an email a month ago – just a ‘checking in’ if you have questions, let me know’ tone.
Is this just part of the waiting game I’ve got to get used to?
~The short answer, yes, this is normal. That you received a reply confirming that they received your submission is great. When I was unagented, for partials I normally waited at least six months to contact the editor for a status check. When you submit a full, depending on the house, it can be anywhere from 1 year, 1 1/2 years or more before you hear anything.
Sincerely,
Four months and counting…
~:) Keep the enthusiasm, that’s what it’s all about. What I tend to do is send the submission, then focus on the next story. I hope this helps. I wish you every success!
Happy Holidays!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder – 4 star Romantic Times review – 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest – Nov 2010 / His Destiny – Nov 2011
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Hi Diana–I thought I had the rejection record at 45 before selling, but your 100 beats me LOL. You’re so right about not giving up and trying not to take them too much to heart. Many times the rejections are due to a simple mis-match of voice to line or premise to line. It’s so hard for authors to accept that, though.
And to Denny–I’m an example where my manuscript set on my editor’s desk for a year and a half before she got to it. But she loved it, so the wait was worth it!
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Thanks for insight. I’m going to get my brain wrapped around the fact that the only way I’m going to be able to see what the waters are like is to dive straight in. I’ve been dabbling too much.
This is such good information. I guess the logical side of my brain knows the deal – but emotional side? Well, let’s just fragile.
Thanks,
Denny
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Not going to do well at this if I can’t complete a sentence:)…I meant ‘Let’s just say fragile’.
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Not going to do well at this if I can’t complete a sentence:)…I meant ‘Let’s just say fragile’.
~Denny, I use spell-check constantly.
Have a wonderful evening!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder – 4 star Romantic Times review – 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest – Nov 2010 / His Destiny – Nov 2011
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Hi Diana–I thought I had the rejection record at 45 before selling, but your 100 beats me LOL.
~Hi Lisa, I quit counting when I hit 100 rejections as I figured I’d honed my ability to acquire them. *G*
You’re so right about not giving up and trying not to take them too much to heart. Many times the rejections are due to a simple mis-match of voice to line or premise to line. It’s so hard for authors to accept that, though.
~It is. As we’re so emotionally connected to our work, it’s a necessary lesson to learn to set aside that emotion when you enter the playing field of the market. It’s business. Period. If they think it will sell = earn them $, if editors don’t believe it’s a concept that will stand out, lure an audience to buy, they send a thanks but no thanks. Toss in that the editor’s opinion is just that.
Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful holiday season and new year!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder – 4 star Romantic Times review – 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest – Nov 2010 / His Destiny – Nov 2011
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Great blog, Diana. As writers, we are so protective of our creations and we take every rejection personally. You’re right when you said it just might be that the editor just bought something similar or the agent is looking for something specific. We have to develop thick skins. Unless you’re that incredibly lucky author who sells the first thing he/she writes the first time he/she sends it out, rejections are a part of who we are. That’s why writer friends are so valuable to have when we start to forget how subjective reading tastes really are.
Thanks for the provocative blog. See you Saturday.
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Great blog, Diana. As writers, we are so protective of our creations and we take every rejection personally. You’re right when you said it just might be that the editor just bought something similar or the agent is looking for something specific. We have to develop thick skins.
~Writers need to truly embrace that once the creative time is finished = writing the book, we now enter the business end of the industry. Like every other marketing venue, it’s about sales.
Unless you’re that incredibly lucky author who sells the first thing he/she writes the first time he/she sends it out, rejections are a part of who we are. That’s why writer friends are so valuable to have when we start to forget how subjective reading tastes really are.
~So true. I will add that I count my blessings that I didn’t sell immediately. I’ve learned so much about the industry over the years. Though I far from know everything, when I sold, I had resources to call and I negotiated my first contract.
Thanks for the provocative blog. See you Saturday.
~Thank you very much for stopping by. See you then! Have a wonderful holiday season and new year!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder – 4 star Romantic Times review – 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest – Nov 2010 / His Destiny – Nov 2011
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Hot dog!!!!
Diana, what a great way to look at rejections – something all authors might dread.
You’ve given me some invaluable new insights! And I reminder that a rejection doesn’t mean “No.” It just means “Next!”
Thanks a mil!
Dawna
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Hot dog!!!! Diana, what a great way to look at rejections – something all authors might dread. You’ve given me some invaluable new insights! And I reminder that a rejection doesn’t mean “No.” It just means “Next!”
~Hey, love that, “Next!” So true.
Thanks a mil!
If anything helped, that’s what it’s about. Thank you very much for stopping by, and I’ll see you Saturday. Have a wonderful holiday season and new year! *Hugs*
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder – 4 star Romantic Times review – 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest – Nov 2010 / His Destiny – Nov 2011
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Thanks for insight. I’m going to get my brain wrapped around the fact that the only way I’m going to be able to see what the waters are like is to dive straight in. I’ve been dabbling too much.
~Denny, dive in. I always tell people, I flounder well. *G*
This is such good information. I guess the logical side of my brain knows the deal – but emotional side? Well, let’s just fragile.
~The emotional side is a toughie. At times, rejections are tough. Others, I’m not really bothered. I think part of the trick is to just say, “Yeah, this bites.” Let the emotions go through you, then move on. Take care and I wish you every success!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder – 4 star Romantic Times review – 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest – Nov 2010 / His Destiny – Nov 2011
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You forgot one more thing that can cause a rejection: You are writing something which may connect with the agent, but they don’t believe they can sell it because it does not go with the current market. Some times a romance which meets all the guidlines, may have a location, time frame or even character that is not currently “of interest” to book sellers. That can create quite a hindrance in the publishing world.
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Great blog, Diana! Rejection is part of the process of all published authors. It’s all about finding the right publisher for our books. Every no takes us closer to yes. I really believe that rejection is part of the journey, making it all that much sweeter when we hold our book in our hands. For all the writers out there, never give up…keep writing, fine tuning your craft and dreaming and submit, submit, submit!
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You forgot one more thing that can cause a rejection: You are writing something which may connect with the agent, but they don’t believe they can sell it because it does not go with the current market.
~Excellent point, Teresa. At times, many months if not a year or more could have passed before an editor reads your work. Markets/Trends change.
Some times a romance which meets all the guidelines, may have a location, time frame or even character that is not currently “of interest” to book sellers. That can create quite a hindrance in the publishing world.
~So true. Thank you very much for stopping by and sharing this advice. I hope you’re enjoying your holiday season, and may your 2010 be the best yet!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder – 4 star Romantic Times review – 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest – Nov 2010 / His Destiny – Nov 2011
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Great blog, Diana!
~Hi, Alisha, thank you very much for stopping by. If anything helps, that’s great.
Rejection is part of the process of all published authors. It’s all about finding the right publisher for our books. Every no takes us closer to yes. I really believe that rejection is part of the journey, making it all that much sweeter when we hold our book in our hands. For all the writers out there, never give up…keep writing, fine tuning your craft and dreaming and submit, submit, submit!
~Excellent words of wisdom. With every book we write, we learn. I hope you’re holidays are fantastic, and I wish you a tremendous 2010!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder – 4 star Romantic Times review – 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest – Nov 2010 / His Destiny – Nov 2011
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Wonderful post! Writing classes and art classes taught me the benefit of dealing with rejection/critiques. To help with the agent/publisher rejection cycle, JT Bock and I have a game going…see who cam amass the most rejections in a year
It does help us put it into perspective while still working on and honing our craft. (and that’s not to say we don’t take any of the recommendations if there are any 
– it just helps take the stress out of it all)
~Sybir
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Wonderful post!
Hi Sybir, thank you very much for stopping by. If anything helped, that’s what it’s all about.
Writing classes and art classes taught me the benefit of dealing with rejection/critiques. To help with the agent/publisher rejection cycle, JT Bock and I have a game going…see who cam amass the most rejections in a year It does help us put it into perspective while still working on and honing our craft. (and that’s not to say we don’t take any of the recommendations if there are any – it just helps take the stress out of it all)
~I bet it does. *Smile* A tip I give people trying to find a target market. Go to a large bookstore. Pretend you’re holding your book in your hands. Where EXACTLY would you shelve it? I mean, exactly. At a minimum, look at 5-10 books on either side of that exact spot. This should hold publishers as well as lines that are your target market. Take care and I wish you every success! Happy Holidays!!!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder – 4 star Romantic Times review – 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest – Nov 2010 / His Destiny – Nov 2011