Monday
Aug272018
Writers & illustrators: Develop a thick skin. To succeed (and survive) in this business, you need to be able to take criticism.
Rejection and criticism are part of publishing process, before AND after publication. Work on developing a thick skin early on and you'll not only enjoy the journey more but also increase your chances of longterm success.
Monday, August 27, 2018 at 5:59 PM
Reader Comments (2)
It's definitely hard, Debbie. I sent out 49 submissions of a poem before it got accepted. I truly wanted to give up until I read that Kathryn Stockett, the author of The Help, sent her manuscript out 61 times before it was accepted (and later made into the movie). What if she had given up at 60 times?
A writer has to accept the fact that he will have to send out a piece many times before it finds a home. A thick skin is essential. An editor once told me that the reason why he accepted one of my poems about a one-armed night watchman was because someone in his family had only one arm. That poem made a connection, but what are the chances?
By the way, I listened to your podcast, Debbie, at Writers Digest Podcasts #5, and you have a wonderful, inspirational story. All of your readers should listen to it. Sincerely, Susan
Thank you so much, Susan!
And kudos to you for not giving up on your poem.