Rejection, rejection, rejection. Blech. A few weeks ago I received one from an editor who didn’t like the way the relationship between the hero and heroine developed. There was no request to see anything else I might have. Sigh. Well, okay. Throw that one on the pile.
And just a couple of weekends ago, I’d left a meeting with my critique partners. As per their M.O., they’d rightfully bashed the manuscript I’d brought. (I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that they’re doing their job, but are you kind of seeing a trend here?)
So it was an unbelievably thrilling surprise when I opened up my e-mail while at a grocery store I’d stopped at on the way home from that meeting. What I thought was yet another editor rejection instead turned out to be something else entirely – an invitation to discuss the possibilities of a manuscript I’d submitted. REALLY? I had to read the darned thing three or four times to convince myself it was meant for me.
It was. The world pin-pricked into a single point then. Just me and my grocery cart full of red wine and a couple of packages of dark chocolate. (Hey, I was re-stocking essentials for the week!) After performing my version of what my author-friend Jenna Bayley-Burke terms the “kermit-flail,” I took a deep breath and tried to ground myself long enough to get out of the store. (By the way, my apologies to those at Trader Joe’s who witnessed that display. And thanks to the staff for not throwing me out!)
After I floated back to the mortal world, I came to an important realization. Sometimes we writers who choose not to go the self-publishing route get so many rejections we forget something inherently true in this business: being published means finding the right editor. I don’t know about you, but for me, finding that one special editor who believes in the story, and who believes in my writing skills, is who I’m searching for.
Discussing my manuscript with the editor above was surreal (Should I say this? She’s probably following my blog!) and EXTREMELY informative. I’ve learned so much about where I need to focus in order to make my story a better experience for readers. That’s always been my goal, and I’m excited to know she supports it! Now I just need to make the necessary story changes. Piece of cake, right? 😀
Meanwhile, the journey continues.
Okay, so I’ve bared my soul, now it’s your turn. Care to share where you are on your writing journey?
Retreating back to the edit cave,
-Melia
With an agent and an unsold manuscript, as you know! But the biggest thing to happen to me of late? Joining this wonderful critique group. I’ve always wanted to have a formalized way to share work, and I love both the push to produce something new on a regular basis, and the freedom afforded by sharing work with professionals who have similar goals and who know a thing or twenty million about craft — I can share something rough, and know that the eyes looking at it will help me pick through it for diamonds in the rough, and aren’t afraid to point out the lumps of coal that are going to remain worthless, no matter how much polishing I do. Hugs to my CPs!
Finding an editor or agent that likes what you have written and can share your vision is incredible. When I got the call I literally stuttered because I was so shocked by the “yes” instead of the “no thanks” and months later have only now stopped pinching myself. Enjoy your journey – it is going to be a great ride!
Melia,
I’m so excited for you, and thank you for sharing your story. Rejection is hard and sometimes we want to keep them close to our hearts or in the deep, dark recesses of our minds, lol. PTSD anyone? I was lucky to be offered a contract by my first choice publisher before I was turned down by two literary agents I’d pitched to at the RCRW Intensive. I didn’t take their rejections personally. I figured those partnerships weren’t meant to happen and now I have a great editor who believes in me enough to help me make my dreams of being a published writer come true. Keep on writing and good luck!
Aww, Mer! I love that you’re part of our critique group! YOUR input is so valuable, AND you have a way of doing it so it isn’t quite so blunt but still gets the point across — LOVE that! I, on the other hand, tend to be a bit rough. 🙂 Bull in a china shop, anyone?
Happy writing (You ARE writing, aren’t you?),
-Melia
Thank you, Kylie! It’s definitely quite the ride. 🙂 I’m rubbing my hands together in anticipation of the next step on this journey!
Happy writing,
Melia
Hi Ashlyn! Rejection wasn’t as hard as I’d thought it was at the start. Of course, that was nine years ago. 🙂 And even then, I knew not to take it personally. I think that’s a reflection of the day-job — working with men can be brutal. LOL. And as for your being lucky contract-wise, while I think there’s some element of luck, I also think it’s about the writing, and all you do to support becoming published — like attending writing workshops and putting yourself in a position to pitch to editors and agents. I’m so excited for you, girl!
Happy writing,
Melia