How to Deal With Rejection

I have a secret to tell you.

Today, I received my first, non-form rejection. Or at least, the first non-form rejection concerning my entire manuscript, rather than just a query letter. Nine weeks ago, the agent I contacted requested that I send the whole manuscript, which, I did. As stated, I patiently waited nine weeks, or mostly patiently, and today, I recieved this in my email inbox.

Dear Karoline,

Thank you for sending along ROYAL, which Susan and I enjoyed reading this past weekend. You are a talented writer and the world that you have imagined is rich and full of dynamic circumstances and settings. That being said, we felt that the narrative was too scattered in its constant jumping from character to character – so much so that the characters felt thin and underdeveloped. Given these concerns, we are unable to offer you representation at this time. We’re sorry not to have had a more positive response, but another agent may well feel differently. Thank you for thinking of Writers House; we wish you all the best of luck with this project.

Best,

Stacy

Stacy Testa

Assistant to Susan Ginsburg


There are a lot of reasons I could weep and rejoice because of this reply. Which brings me to my first point,

#1: Don't Dismiss the Praise: Despite the fact that the overall message of this email was to say that they didn't think I was quite up to par, they told me I was talented. A bona-fide New York Agent who has obtained publishers for such iconic writers as Alice Walker, told me I was talented. And not only that, she complimented my story itself. I think that's pretty neat.

#2: Don't ignore the advice: You know that part where she said that my characters seemed scattered? Yeah, my brother who is neither a reader nor a writer, told me the same thing a few days ago. Boy, won't he be happy when I tell him why they rejected me. Bunny trails aside, they have given me the gift of profesional critcisim which you as a writer know is difficult to obtain. All the time while writing "Royal" I sensed that something was lacking, but I chose to settle for imperfection. And just maybe, they have given me the key to making my good story great! Instead of taking offense to these kinds of critiques, apply them. 

#3: Move On: This may be my most important tid bit of advice for you concerning this topic. Although I am an optimistic person, I did feel a tiny twinge of hurt when receiving that letter. That kind of feeling isn't bad however, unless you allow it to dictate how/when you continue with your writing. I mean, look at you! You're young and you have the whole world at your feet. Except if you're seventy years old. You might not want to get too fired up, but from what I understand, the majority of my audience are teens like me. Heck, I don't even have my driver's liscense yet! I think that testifies to the fact that just because somebody didn't agree to represent my book, it doesn't make me a failure. We are so young! There is a plethora of material and experience ahead of us! 

Don't let one little rejection bog you down. If you look at it with the right attitude, sometimes this message is so promising you feel better for it! Keep writing my friends, no matter what comes in your way.

Have you ever been rejected? Did these tips help you? Let me know in the comments!