Path to Publication :: Nice rejections
I’ve had Mystic Therapy out for consideration for about 8 weeks. In that time, it’s been rejected (at the query level) quite a number of times. But, 5 different agents asked for more, which was just amazing and so very very exciting to me. In any case, four of those five have passed, but the latest one … received today, simply reconfirms what I’ve had to come to grips with in this industry.
Here is what she said:
You have a great imagination – I love the premise – and you’re a good writer, but I’m sad to say that I just wasn’t passionate enough about this to ask to see more. I wish I could offer constructive suggestions, but I thought the dialogue was fine, the characters well-crafted, and the plot well-conceived. I think it’s the kind of thing that really is subjective – why some people adore the book on the top of the NYTimes bestseller list, and others don’t.
What does this reconfirm?
#1 — Publishing is as subjective as we humans are because it’s made up of us humans! One story will appeal to one person while another’s won’t. Even I’ve put down NYT bestsellers because I couldn’t get into it.
#2 — I am doing this writing thing right. I’ve worked my butt off on every manuscript. Yes, I type and write and think fast, so I move fast, but I do have alpha and beta readers. I edit until I’m comfortable with the story and the writing, then I send it to another set of readers. Yes, I do all this in the span of 60 ish days, but I do make sure that I do all the steps … and that is a reflection of her comment above.
#3 — My ideas are fun. 🙂 Sometimes, that’s the part that gets me the most — because I like to delve into conceptual ideas that are often hard to explain. But hey … that’s just me.
Next steps for Mystic? None … another agent still has it and it’s out for two potential contests, too.
In the meantime, Hide & Seek is in the editing process and Good Luck Charm is in the writing process. All these levels and stages are part of the process which — while often frustrating more out of a lack of patience than anything — I am enjoying thoroughly.
How about you? What can you take away from your rejections that boosts your self-esteem?
I wouldn’t give up on it, Aimee. Just because it’s not currently what they seem to be seeking, it doesn’t mean it will remain that way. I had rejection after rejection after rejection for D&L, yet still tortured myself by submitting more. However, that was before I joined a writing site and learned how to sit back and look at my work through a critical viewpoint. Now I intend to rewrite and resend. I want this one published so bad it hurts so I damned well will keep going with it. Yes, ma’am, I will 🙂
I did once have an agent take the time to call me up for another of my novels. He told me my writing was very good and he enjoyed the story. He then went on to tell me how it could be improved and how, as a first time author, it is increasingly difficult to find representation. Although he was unable to take me on due to a full client list he gave me very good advice on building a portfolio to give myself a fighting chance. Apparently those who have nothing to show for their writing portfolio have literally no chance. I took his advice; I’m currently working on it in fact. Yes it’s hard, yes it’s downheartening. But one phone which tells me I’ve done something which is on the right tracks is enough spur for me 🙂
I’m not giving up on Mystic. 🙂 Nor Little White Lies (Mystic’s precursor). LOL I’m writing my own library of stories. 🙂 With Hide and Seek that gives me three complete works that I’d be happy publishing (and one other hiding in a closet never to see the light of day). Now on to the next one while this one continues on down it’s path…
Do keep editing Sean and Jem because I loved them! (And it’s really all about me anyway 😉 ).
Aimee, even if everyone else who read about Jem and Sean hated them, your comments alone would inspire me to keep going 🙂
I’m glad I was helpful Julie! I really did like their story! 🙂