Well, most of the advice I get from agents goes something like this--"Sorry, not for me. I'm sure that someone out there somewhere will like your writing." So, with plenty enthusiasm, I've been diligently searching for that someone.
Actually, Janet, you were one the first agents to reject my query and you fed me back with REAL advice. You spoiled me! After that, mostly form rejections followed. I might just re-submit my revamped query to you so I can experience that once more.
This story is very much like mine for Restoring Harmony. Heck, mine might even be going to press today, we're that close. I cannot believe how many times I rewrote that thing. Some books you rewrite too many times and they die (have a bunch of those too), and others are just determined to make it to publication.
That pretty much sounds like what I'm going through. Well, without all the rejections. I haven't gone there yet. But all the rewriting? Yea. Kill me now. Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration, Janet. Maybe I'll get there eventually after all...
Oh, how I long for someone to give me profession feedback on where I'm fucking up. I've rewritten my manuscript many-a-time, too, but that's been based on my own editing input.
I write because I have to. I'm trying to get published because I have a story I want to share. I don't take rejection personally as the industry is so subjective. I have faith that my book is an enjoyable read. It won't solve world hunger, be the next best seller (though that would be nice), or win the Pulitzer, but I feel a reader won't feel they wasted their time (or money) reading it.
Not a lofty goal, I know, but I'm not a lofty goal kind of gal. Success is always a wonderful surprise in my endeavors, not an intent.
Thanks for the link. It was definitely something I needed to read this week. It gives me hope to know my dream can be reached, it just might take me longer to get there, that's all!
I'm afraid that little post hasn't helped my current state of discouragement. He was treated pretty well, even when he was rejected. At least they gave the appearance of actually reading his work.
My best reaction so far was the editor who asked me to give their company a second chance with an exclusive after they lost it in the publisher's in-box for almost 3 years. Too bad that was 2 years ago, and I realized that their boss doesn't believe in seniority giving any priority.
Thanks for posting this, Janet. It's the kind of thing I need to pin to the whiteboard over my desk for those occasional days when it all seems like just a pointless masochistic exercise.
Heh, I'm working on something now. I'm only about half-way through and yet I keep going back and rewriting earlier chapters :-)
Which bring up something I've been wondering recently. Is there any advantage to posting excerpts on what I'm working on on-line in order to build interest or get feedback?
Oh, thank god. I keep hearing, over and over, on writer's boards and on agent's blogs, that if it's not working, move on to the next project. I don't wanna.
I mean, I have other things I'm working on, but I just don't want to give up on *this* one. Not yet.
This was the most motivational thing I've read in a really long time.
I too---am rewriting. It is most discouraging to keep reworking the same piece. Especially when others tell you they love it! The creative juices are flowing to start another project and still...rewrite after denial. I guess all writers are masochists? We continue to whip ourselves into something someone wants!!! God this is hard! God I love it!
As I sit mired in chapter sixteen, I really needed this.
So thanks, Janet, for linking to this. You'll never know how much it was appreciated.
And to you, Stephen, for not giving up on a story you believed in.
Adam, I'm blogging my own novel, but the only people who have actually commented on it are people I already knew. Which is nice since they're not close by, but if you're expecting strangers to stop by your blog and comment, probably not.
You might visit the Absolute Write forums and post excerpts for feedback, if you have a thick skin. People are really honest there.
I'm going to make this a poster. I finished my first novel only a couple of weeks ago. I've only gotten a few answers back yet. I expect to get plenty more rejections. If I had been turned down that many times, I'm sure I would have given up much sooner than Stephen. It would be great to bypass the flood of rejections, but this is publishing and it's best to be prepared for it. If it comes to that, I know now not to throw in the towel too soon.
16 comments:
Well, most of the advice I get from agents goes something like this--"Sorry, not for me. I'm sure that someone out there somewhere will like your writing." So, with plenty enthusiasm, I've been diligently searching for that someone.
Actually, Janet, you were one the first agents to reject my query and you fed me back with REAL advice. You spoiled me! After that, mostly form rejections followed. I might just re-submit my revamped query to you so I can experience that once more.
This story is very much like mine for Restoring Harmony. Heck, mine might even be going to press today, we're that close. I cannot believe how many times I rewrote that thing. Some books you rewrite too many times and they die (have a bunch of those too), and others are just determined to make it to publication.
That pretty much sounds like what I'm going through. Well, without all the rejections. I haven't gone there yet. But all the rewriting? Yea. Kill me now. Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration, Janet. Maybe I'll get there eventually after all...
Oh, how I long for someone to give me profession feedback on where I'm fucking up. I've rewritten my manuscript many-a-time, too, but that's been based on my own editing input.
I write because I have to. I'm trying to get published because I have a story I want to share. I don't take rejection personally as the industry is so subjective. I have faith that my book is an enjoyable read. It won't solve world hunger, be the next best seller (though that would be nice), or win the Pulitzer, but I feel a reader won't feel they wasted their time (or money) reading it.
Not a lofty goal, I know, but I'm not a lofty goal kind of gal. Success is always a wonderful surprise in my endeavors, not an intent.
This is awesome in a 'makes me want to sob and choke because it's really close' kind of way.
Thanks for all you do for us writers, Janet.
Thanks for the link. It was definitely something I needed to read this week. It gives me hope to know my dream can be reached, it just might take me longer to get there, that's all!
I'm afraid that little post hasn't helped my current state of discouragement. He was treated pretty well, even when he was rejected. At least they gave the appearance of actually reading his work.
My best reaction so far was the editor who asked me to give their company a second chance with an exclusive after they lost it in the publisher's in-box for almost 3 years. Too bad that was 2 years ago, and I realized that their boss doesn't believe in seniority giving any priority.
Thanks for posting this, Janet. It's the kind of thing I need to pin to the whiteboard over my desk for those occasional days when it all seems like just a pointless masochistic exercise.
P
PS Need. More. Query. Shark! :)
Heh, I'm working on something now. I'm only about half-way through and yet I keep going back and rewriting earlier chapters :-)
Which bring up something I've been wondering recently. Is there any advantage to posting excerpts on what I'm working on on-line in order to build interest or get feedback?
Oh, thank god. I keep hearing, over and over, on writer's boards and on agent's blogs, that if it's not working, move on to the next project. I don't wanna.
I mean, I have other things I'm working on, but I just don't want to give up on *this* one. Not yet.
This was the most motivational thing I've read in a really long time.
Thank you.
You are too good to me.
One does not get anywhere in this business if one gives up easily. Good for him for working until he reached his goal!
I too---am rewriting. It is most discouraging to keep reworking the same piece. Especially when others tell you they love it! The creative juices are flowing to start another project and still...rewrite after denial. I guess all writers are masochists? We continue to whip ourselves into something someone wants!!! God this is hard! God I love it!
Janet,
Thank you so much for the most inspirational thing I've read in a really long time!
Back to those rewrites (now that I've finally figured out what active verb vs. passive verb can do to pump up a manuscript).
Christi
As I sit mired in chapter sixteen, I really needed this.
So thanks, Janet, for linking to this. You'll never know how much it was appreciated.
And to you, Stephen, for not giving up on a story you believed in.
Adam, I'm blogging my own novel, but the only people who have actually commented on it are people I already knew. Which is nice since they're not close by, but if you're expecting strangers to stop by your blog and comment, probably not.
You might visit the Absolute Write forums and post excerpts for feedback, if you have a thick skin. People are really honest there.
I'm going to make this a poster. I finished my first novel only a couple of weeks ago. I've only gotten a few answers back yet. I expect to get plenty more rejections. If I had been turned down that many times, I'm sure I would have given up much sooner than Stephen. It would be great to bypass the flood of rejections, but this is publishing and it's best to be prepared for it. If it comes to that, I know now not to throw in the towel too soon.
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