Writer's Words of Wisdom: Fear no Rejection!

If you're a writer, you're familiar with the fear of rejection.  Even if you're just writing a paper for your high school or college professor, you want to ensnare them with your rhetoric and witty comments.  You don't want to get your paper back with all sorts of red lines and marks mucking up your beautiful manuscript.

I've had my fair share of rejection.  I've had personalized rejections like:

"Dear Jessicca,
 
I would be interested in seeing more of this project. 

Would you please send the following via email for further review.
 
1. The first three chapters in an attachment in RTF format.
2. A 3-5 page synopsis in an attachment in RTF format
3. Your contact information in the message
4. In the subject line write REQUESTED MATERIAL - Your book title
 
I look forward to reading more."

After submitting requested material, this literary agent went on to say: 

"Dear Jessica,
 
Thank you so much for sending me this additional material to review. 

As you know, I am always looking for great series writers. 

I am sorry to say, however, that I am going to pass on this one. 

I simply didn't find myself drawn to the characters 

as much as I had hoped. In the end, I felt the story lacked the depth 

necessary to make me want to follow the characters through 

this relationship.
 
Thank you again and I wish you all the best with your writing."

And I've had the standard rejection form like:

"Dear Jessica,

Unfortunately, after careful consideration of your manuscript, 

we have determined that it does not fit our needs. 

Though we aren't able to accept this manuscript, it is always 

possible that future manuscripts may find a home with us, and 

we hope you'll consider us for future submissions. Additionally, 

please remember that publishing is quite subjective, and what 

doesn't work for one publisher may work for another so we wish 

you the best of luck in placing this manuscript elsewhere. 
 
Thank you for your interest in working with 

*Name Withheld*."  

If I had to get rejected, I preferred the personalized one.  They took the time to give me pointers so I could strengthen my manuscript and my query letters for the future.  Standard rejections hurt my very soul.  They made me feel like I wasn't even worthy of their attention.

Through it all, I developed a tougher skin.  I picked up the pieces of my shattered ego and got back to work writing and querying.  I even took the time to investigate these publishing houses and agencies to see what kinds of manuscripts they were accepting and what the authors had to say about working with them.

I would also suggest that you look the publisher up on their social networking sites and even invest some time reading their blogs (if they have one).  You may find that you don't jive with that company at all.  Then again, you may be even more determined to find your niche there. 

You've spent countless hours honing your skills and polishing your manuscript, so don't skimp when it comes to the details.  Take the time to narrow your list of queries.  You want your manuscript to be with people who can do the most for it.   Also, look over submission guidelines carefully. Some houses frown on simultaneous submissions and you should make a note in your query if you're submitting to other publishing houses, too.  Honesty is the best policy!

Don't forget to check out this week's other WoW Bloggers:

Paloma Beck: http://romancebeckons.blogspot.com

Tammy Dennings Maggy(Tammy Smith) http://tammydenningsmaggy.blogspot.com/

:.It's Okay! We've All Been There!.: