Writers and rejection: seeking published writers who have been rejected in the past

October 10th, 2007 · 2 Comments

From the Inkygirl archives:

Are you a successfully published writer who has been rejected in the past (fiction or nonfiction)? I’m compiling a list of encouragement and advice for anyone going through the rejection process and would love to hear from you.

I recently found out that my book for young people was rejected by a publisher. I’m sending it out again, of course. Meanwhile, my self-therapy for rejection involves adding to this list of writers who were rejected multiple times: Writers and Rejection: Don’t Give Up!. I’d like to add a section of encouragement and advice from other published writers as well, even those who don’t consider themselves famous).

If you’re a writer whose book or books were published after being rejected more than once, please do post something here and I’ll add it; make sure you include a link to your author or book Web site along with your comment. Thanks so much!

2 responses so far ↓

Hannah // Nov 2, 2007 at 3:10 pm

Rejection hurts, but I don’t think its the best reason to start screaming.

‘drama queen’ hehe.
Chris Stevenson // Dec 12, 2007 at 2:45 pm

My SF novel Word Wars was rejected 65 times by agents and pubishers alike, until finally being offered a contract by a Canadian publisher. It’s no surprise that the Canadian publishers were the only people who had read the entire manuscript.

Once Upon A Goddess, an urban fantasy, received 45 rejections until purchased.

Blue Phi’er just offered a contract, with a small advance, for Planet Janitor–Custodian of the Stars. Four editor read it and raved about its pace, cleanliness, dialogue and premise. It was only the second time the book was read straight through after suffering over 80 rejections.

See a trend here? Editors are not reading fulls. They’re slamming the breaks on prematurely, souring at delving into the storyline. I think they fold after hitting their first rough spot in the manuscript, giving them reason enough to dump it. It think the rushed time factor in reading and evaluating manuscripts is a lot more limited than we think.

I also believe that a relatively new agent doesn’t stand the chance of a ice cube in hell, in trying to pass on a worthy book.

Solution: You can’t give up, dudes and dudettes. Just get good and mad.

And remember: “Victory requires great sacrifice.” Sam and Archibald Whitwhikey–Transformers

Inkygirl: Daily Diversions For Writers