From Rejection to Resilience:

Getting to YES

I've been working on an article about rejection in publishing. I wanted to provide some upside to what feels like a hopeless situation, but everything I wrote felt too "Rah Rah" or like a saccharine platitude. The truth is, rejection is a staple of the publishing industry, and it's not just writers who face it—agents and even editors do too.

While securing an agent can feel like a fruitless battle, once an agent decides to champion your book, they face the daunting task of finding the right editor. This process is like finding the right hayfield, to then find the right haystack, in which to find the needle. Simple, right? Even if you find that needle—an editor who wants to champion your book—they still have to get it past the powers that be at their imprint, where it might be vetoed for a myriad of reasons. But that’s a topic for another post.

For authors and agents, turning rejection into a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block is crucial. On the publishing path, rejection is a constant companion, but it should never be a deterrent. Cultivating resilience is a necessity. I’ve had books that took me two years to sell, and in those cases, the publisher ended up doing the authors’ second book.

It’s important to keep in mind that pretty much everybody has been rejected at one time or another. From debut authors to seasoned writers, few are immune to the harsh reality of having their work turned down. Even the most successful books have often faced numerous rejections before being accepted. Think Robert Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance 120+ rejections, and Jack Canfield’s Chicken Soup for the Soul almost 150 times. Even Stephen King had to deal with it.

While the constant encounter with rejection in publishing is disappointing and frustrating, it can also foster innovation and persistence. Rejection can be an opportunity for growth as it often forces individuals to rethink their strategies and approaches. Consider Amanda Hocking: after facing numerous rejections, she self-published her novels, which later led to a major publishing deal.  

Unfortunately, rejections aren’t always wrapped up nicely in actionable feedback; and keep in mind, rejections often have merit. So, here are a few things to consider:

o   Review and Revise: Carefully review feedback from rejections. Constructive criticism can be invaluable in identifying areas for improvement.

o   Seek Professional Feedback: Consider hiring a professional editor or joining a writing group to get objective opinions on your work.

o   Improve Your Query Letter: Sometimes, it's not the manuscript but the query letter that needs work. Make sure it is compelling and solid.

o   Research the Market: Ensure that you are targeting the right agents or publishers who are interested in your genre.

o   Build Your Platform: Work on building your author platform through social media, a blog, or other means. A strong platform can make you more attractive to publishers.

o   Network with Other Writers: Engage with other writers for support, encouragement, and advice. Networking can also open up new opportunities.

o   Keep Submitting: Persistence is key. Keep submitting to different agents and publishers.

o   Consider Self-Publishing: If traditional publishing routes are not working out, self-publishing is a viable alternative. It gives you control over the process and can be a successful path.

o   Keep Writing: Start working on your next project. Continuous writing improves your craft and keeps your momentum going.

Rejection is a natural part of the creative process. Having your book rejected isn’t an ultimate judgement on its viability. Stay positive, keep writing and be patient. Every “No” is a step closer to finding the right fit for your book, and that coveted “Yes”.