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viewsThe First of (Likely) Many Rejections
By Jodene, Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 6 commentsI got my first rejection from a literary agent this morning- please, no applause needed! Not exactly the first thing you want to see before getting out of bed. Literally. I fell asleep with the lap top on the bed, so what else am I going to do immediately after opening my eyes this morning? There are two ways to take this. The first one is obvious- weep and convince one’s self that no one will ever want to take you on as a writer and it’s best to give up the whole writing thing NOW. The second option is probably better. Develop a thicker skin and find ten more literary agents’ email addresses and start the process all over again.
After seriously contemplating the first one, I decided to opt for the second. I got out of bed, dragged my boys out of bed, convinced them it is going to be a spectacular day, walked around a field looking for my 5year old’s Raider jersey that he thought would be good to leave out in the field yesterday, touched based with the 9 year old’s teacher, bid them farewell and got back to work. With a fresh cup of coffee. And a determination to beat odds. And a renewed focus and appreciation for my day job – because this writing on the side thing probably won’t bring in the big bucks for a while… possibly ever. I reread the email, which said, “While I found your query intriguing I’m afraid I wasn’t sufficiently enthusiastic to ask for more at this time.” She didn’t say it was horrible - she just wasn’t enthusiastic. Sort of like getting dumped and being told, “We’re growing apart” or “It’s not you… it’s me.” I’ll take that.
I was also offered to be co-author on an article this morning. I also had an epiphany about a possible research project. I truly believe when a door closes (in this case, more like a doggie door- small, no big whoop) a window, door, or even garage door opens. Big and wide, full of possibilities.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or as my friend suggests- find vodka to go with that lemon. When an agent says thanks- but no thanks, get back to work. Make it a great day and be sure to have something with lemons to drink while you work on that next draft.
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6 Comments
So been there. but you
~~~Jodene, My Sister...
~~~Jodene, My Sister... I seriously believe this: The writers who make it out there...Endure, Persist, and Move forward. The writers who don't make it or can't take rejection just QUIT! Keep moving on, babe. We are all in this together. And I'm lovin' the book! You got what it takes. XX K.
Zen
To ride on Steph's coat-tails....Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Riding was rejected 120 times...John Steinbeck wrote and published 3 books considered literary failures before 'Tortilla Flat' (that one gets to me, he got published and slammed publicly and still kept going!!!) Thanks for your entry and you are so not alone in this quest...and by the way? I feel 'sufficiently enthusiastic' about your post and want MORE! (i'm not an agent and i can't pay you but seriously, I'd like to read some more!)
Jodene, Agents are just
Jodene,
Agents are just people and some are really nice and some you want to skin alive. Trust me, that was not a bad letter to get - some of my rejections letters left me with paper cuts. Remember they are just people. I worked at Doublday for 10 years and some of the agents were just the best and some was nasty pigs. Some have vision and some are blinded by their inflated egos.
Keep going - you just need one agent to fall in love with your book and that will change everyhting. Do not give up - keep going and be happy that they are answeting your query letter. I got some xerorxes that were printed on a slant. Wanted to send them back to the w/ a little note!
Keep writing. elizabeth
Awaken the Real You. Redefine...Reinvent...Release. Branching Out LIfe Coaching
Jodene, I just read this
Jodene, I just read this article about Pat Conroy and how he found an agent. It's a hilarious story, the NY agent he called who was a total AH to him...anyway, let PC tell it! http://www.patconroy.com/articles_pw-09-86.php
Keep on keepin' on. I have those days, too. Sometimes I want to get off the roller coaster, but I know I'd miss it!
I've been there too. They'll
I've been there too. They'll all be sorry when you make it big and famous!
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