I got my first rejection today. I know, already. I was shocked the response came in less than a week; not-so-shocked it was a BIG FAT NO, since it was from an agent I queried before I had my things spit-polished.
I know. I'm bad. And I kicked myself, really beat myself up, for allowing such a thing to happen. I'd finished my query and synopsis with such confidence, I shot them off to a couple agents before having them critiqued. I regretted it the next day, of course. And I let it be a lesson learned.
So anyway, I cringed when she said--very, very nicely, I might add--that she has to be very selective with who she chooses to represent. And she's not right for my book. My first thought was But that query sucked! Now she thinks I suck! If only she knew I changed it all, made it better...
But there's no turning back. My chance with her is past. And that's okay, because I know I've got better footing now. And there are more agents out there.
***
The count has begun.
1 rejection: 5 out
16 comments:
I love your positive and progressional attitude. Rejection is a part of the process and it's a part of the learning involved in becoming a great writer.
I believe that the right agent will say yes. This agent that said no only said no to this book and the door is still open for future books so don't feel like she has rejected you. Writers grown and I believe agents withhold judgement (unless there is a record of trash or a personality clash).
Good luck for your future queries and I hope you get some success soon. But no matter what happens, keep writing, keep at it. That's the way to get published.
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective, Rebecca, and I have to say I agree. ...I may not feel the same after several more rejections, but I hope to remain positive and focused.
Thanks again! Hope all is well for you. :)
Yay! Your first rejection is out of the way. As for the time factor, I've gotten a rejection the same day I sent my query out, so a week, that's a long long time in this new world of intraweb. And five? Only five? You have a lot of work to do. Hang in there, honey. I have shrimp tacos and margaritas for you to keep your strempf up.
So no need for brownies just yet?
Even though you sound like you're taking it well, I'm sorry. ((hugs))
welcome to the club!
Keep plugging away. I'll be sending mine out this week so I'll be collecting my share of negative marketing reports as well. That sounds better than a rejection to my ears.
Can I just show the the loooooong list of rejections I've received for my short story that's still looking for a home? (The dogwalker story! No one loves it but me, apparently!) You can long into my account at Duotrope if you want to make yourself feel better.
Good luck with your other queries, and just keep plugging along!
Congratulations! I figure you aren't a real writer till you've racked up a few rejections. You're on your way.
Rejection is all part of the process and although I haven't received an agent rejection yet, I have received LOTS of rejections from magaazines, e-zines, newspapers, etc. so I know it's a bummer. ;-)
You have a beautiful attitude, Janna. Keep shining!
:-)
Michele
You all are so sweet. Thanks for the understanding and encouraging words!
Jes - I know, only five. I'm holding off on more for a bit, because I'm told late summer is really slow in the lit world, what with conferences and vacations and such.
Mel - There's always a need for brownies!
Thanks, Patti. I think. ;)
Yes, yes. Let's call them negative marketing reports. Good idea, Travis!
Wendy, I'm baffled. The dogwalker story is a fantastic one! Let's both keep pluggin' away.
Thanks, Janet! :) Now I can officially claim the "writer" title?
Michelle, as always, thanks so much for the sweet, sweet words.
Hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend! Well... except those of you in Canada and Australia... ;)
Janna, chalk it up to a learning experience. Things like this will happen and this will make you a better person in the long run. You will get that acceptance. Just hang in there!
Janna,
I don't think any of us like to receive the rejections. I've gotten them on agent query letters and on short story submissions but nothing will ever be published unless we send it out.
Keep on keepin' on. And mega luck to you.
Terrie
Aaron, thanks so much for the words of wisdom.
Same goes to you, Terrie, and I'm so glad you've stopped by!
Rejections aren't fun! I've definitely gotten more than my fair share. :-P
Good attitude though!
I hope things turn around for you, dube. And thanks for stopping by!
Well, dube, I just checked out your site, and it looks like you've had lots of success! Congrats, and here's to more. :)
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