The week started off with my first rejection from the last batch of queries and proposals. The batch went out earlier this month.
On the whole it was a pleasant enough rejection. It was even a bit helpful in that it thoughtfully listed the reference books available for finding publishers.
Still, it was a standard, general rejection thanking me for thinking of the company and wishing me luck.
On the one hand, when I’ve got queries and proposals out I live in hope. It’s a lovely place and I return there whenever I can and I stay as long as possible.
But on the other hand the quick rejection is humane. And there’s more to come. It was one of half-dozen sent out in this final round.
A few years back my first manuscript had a few bites. My second manuscript had a few as well, though less than the first. So far, the third hasn’t any.
I wonder, shouldn’t this be the other way around?
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10 comments:
dfLeah - obviously, all these rejections are meant to make the eventual acceptance sweeter! Don't give up.
dfBagLady - Thanks.
Well darn.
There's no way to be happy about it, but at least you're keeping it in perspective. You never know when the "yes" is gonna come, but it sure is hard slogging through the "no's" to get there.
Best of luck.
Thanks, Crabby. Perpective is important.
That sucks Leah. I am sure it will come eventually.
Keeping fingers crossed for you (despite the difficulty in typing that way).
df Leah,
I have file folders stuffed with rejections. I cherish the "good" ones and scoff at the terrible form letter ones.
Still, if our work is ever going to move to the waiting eyes and minds of the reading public, I guess this is the only route.
I have one short story out right now and I keep thinking how nice it will be when that acceptance comes! (I think I'm in that "hope" place you mentioned.)
Hope and faith--you'll get there.
Terrie
Thanks, Reb.
Hilary, good to see you back. Thanks for the crossed fingers.
dfTerrie - I've got all my rejections, good and bad. The bulk of them are form, of course. Some are simply addressed to "Dear Writer," and those really make me feel special and important.
You are right, hope and faith will get us there.
Well, I haven't sent out too many queries yet. I've got eight rejections so far and four queries still out, but I'm sure I've got a mountain of rejections to look forward to before even getting my foot in the door.
But I get the impression that you're standing at the midpoint of your mountain, already higher than Everest, and you just keep trudging onward shouting, "Bring it on! Is that the best you've got?"
I think you've got faith, hope, and determination, Leah, and I find that isnspirational.
Michael - Thank you for your kind words. I'm not so sure if it's determination or that I simply don't know any better.
Best of luck with your queries. I know you'll do well.
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