Rejections are okay, they are not the end, just a step along the way.
I want to talk about rejection. Specifically about the Query process and query rejections. I have a finished manuscript also known as a novel or book. I have a cover letter called a query letter that outlines the story and me. I have a synopsis prepared, that is an outline of the entire novel in two pages.
With all that ready to go, I research Literary Agencies and Literary Agents carefully. I’m searching for one that represents my Genre and subgenre’s, one that I feel would be a good match for my project and me. Then I follow their personal or agency submission guidelines and send them the materials they want to see. (Never send more than what they list)
Then I wait. I check my email like an addict and hit that refresh button as if I can’t function without doing so. Each time I hold my breath, scrunch my eyes and pray to see a Yes, please send more materials.
The dream is to get a yes and then have the agent fall in love with the manuscript and want to represent me.
This is the road to Traditional Publishing. It is a bumpy road full of rejection potholes.
So what happens when you get a rejection from an agent?
First, the emotional let down is akin to being punched in the gut. They are after all rejecting my heart, soul, and hard work. Oh, and they are rejecting me. It sucks.
Here is a sample of a rejection email I received.
“Thanks so much for sending along the sample pages of Prophecy Ink. I’m sorry to say, though, that I just wasn’t as completely drawn in by the material as much as I had hoped. What with my reservations, I’d better bow out. Thanks so much for contacting me, though! I really appreciate it, and wish you the best of luck.”
As it turns out this one was what is called a FORM rejection. A copy-and-paste response. While we hope and pray for some feedback from rejection, the reality is that Agents are busier than we think and this form saves them time. They already spent time reading the queried material they listed to send. I figure the agents are hopeful when they open a query, “Maybe this will be the one,” and when it’s not, I bet they are crushed a little. Now they have to reject someone and their hard work. That has to suck to do. Even if it isn’t personalized the responses are polite and I appreciate that.
If I have an email to respond to, I will thank them again for their time and consideration. I have no idea if Agents want this or not. Despite crushing my hopes and dreams, they are human too, I figure a nice thank you is appropriate.
Side note: some writers get aggressive at this point. They can become belligerent, rude and insulting to agents that say no. Don’t do this. It doesn’t make you right, better or even a good human. That and agents tend to talk and know each other. Just be nice. Patience is required for Traditional Publishing.
Now I have rejection after rejection coming in. Most are form, and some have a little personal note.
All rejections are hard to take, however, all rejections are a step forward. The advice or message in the rejection can sometimes be helpful. Take this for example:
“After reading your first page, I’m sorry this manuscript is not a good fit for me.” and “I read the first chapter and will pass on this project.”
These both pointed to a potential problem. I paused queries and took a hard look. Did some digging and research and eventually found some other agents talking about story openings that will get an instant “No” or “Pass.” Huh. No scenes where the Main Character is dreaming, waking up, walking around doing mundane chores… the list went on. I’ll get into that another time.
Well crap. My story hinged on the premise that Moira wakes up with a tattoo she doesn’t recall getting. Double crap. The chapter was in need of renewal, a renovation of sorts. So I rewrote the first chapter to have her already awake. Is that enough? Time will tell. If I need to rewrite a different angle, I will. Refusing to bend, adjust or change my work will not help me become published. Some would say it’s a “Pushover” or “foolish” thing to change to fit a standard. It’s not. The entire point is to get by a book published and if agents and publishers turn down something for a specific reason and I’ve used that “Something” you better believe I’m going to change it. It would be like walking into the office wearing a bikini. Sure it looks good, and it’s technically clothing, but if they say “You need to change the clothes to work here” You’re likely going to change into more appropriate clothing. Changing the opening isn’t compromising the entire story or me.
Anyone pursuing traditional publishing will receive rejections. A lot of them. Sure there are the magic few that got signed right away. There are also lottery winners who’ve wone millions. Not many, but it can happen. I’m not holding my breath on luck. I will keep pushing, keep querying and keep trying until I find an agent who wants to work with my manuscript and me.
My advice about Rejections.
Rejections are Okay. Get them, get over them, and keep on going. Don’t let rejections deter you or get in the way. Learn from them if you can and know that eventually when you get a YES, all the rejections, hard work, and time will make that yes, sweeter.
-Sheryl
Don’t forget to check out, share and follow the new daily prompt I host. A new word every day!

https://onedailyprompt.wordpress.com/2018/08/01/your-daily-word-prompt-Renewal-august-1st-2018/
Sorry you didn’t get better news 😒 Your article is very interesting and I see that you have to be very thick-skinned to send out manuscripts!
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I will get that better news someday. It is tough, all publishing avenues have thier own struggles and troubles. I just want others to know they aren’t alone or what to expect.
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You are so thoughtful and helpful to everyone 😊
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Thanks. I try.
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Helpful post
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Thank you.
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Pleasure
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Thanks so much for the info and for the nicely positioned use of the prompt. I copied and pasted this to a document for future reference, as I hope to write more book someday. My first one is in the works.
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Writing a book is hard and hard work. But it is rewarding. Good for you, I hope to hear more about it someday.
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You are so right, and i will keep in touch.
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The rule my acting teacher in L.A. was “It’s not no, it’s just not now.” And he was always right.
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It’s a hard lesson to learn and harder to understand and accept. It feels better once we do.
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I’ve received some rejects too. In my mind I have said, “Phew, glad I got those out of the way.” Meaning that we know we will receive rejections before a book deal, so if we get there rejections out of there we will be ready for good news one day soon.
It’s a matter of time, you just have to have ONE YES, remember that. You’ve got this!
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Thank you! I will get there I know, Giving up is not an option.
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Yes, stick with it. One of my rejections said something like “in this tough market, I just don’t feel this is something I could sell.” That stung, but the book(s) I am writing are the types of books I would like to read, because I don’t like all the children’s books that are popular or said to be the BEST.
So, maybe your book would do well in Europe or Asia, but not here. Have you tried submitting to an Agent abroad?
Before you keep beating yourself up, if you feel confident that you have a strong story line, THEN re-ask yourself “what type” of people want to read this book. Then dig deep down into your subconscious and ask yourself for answers on WHO would be the best person to publish your book.
Have you gone to smaller publishers too?
Also, I am part of the SCBWI (children’s book) Illinois Chapter, so every month they send out success stories. There are a ton of people in our state that are getting children’s book contracts, so even though it is tough, it’s possible.
I see that some are going with smaller publishers that I have not heard of, so there are more ways to do this.
It will happen!
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I’m just at the start of querying this one. I have a long list of agencies and Literary agents to get through before I start looking at other options. I am taking my time with querying Prophecy Ink. Researching each agent carefully before submitting and participating in Twitter events.
I know patience and persistence will pay off.
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So when you mentioned on 6 word story you are querying you mean responding to feedback from agents either e-mailing them back of making edits based on what they have said?
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Querying is when I contact an agent with my query letter, synopsis and sample pages for consideration.
It’s rare to get personalized feedback from an agent when you query them. They often only give specific feedback if they’ve requested your query(Twitter pitch parties) or if they request more materials. Otherwise it’s a form (Cut and past) rejection response.
Once they reject you, they won’t respond to any emails or questions about why they rejected. They are just too busy.
If I get feedback or the Form rejections all point to one area (Like the first chapter or opening paragraph) then I will take a look and see if anything needs fixing.
I imagine if I ever find an agent there will be some advised editing taking place, but until then the book is as edited and polished as it is going to get.
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Great post, thanks for sharing the experiences.
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My blog is all about my experiences from the start of my writing journey. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
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Thank you for sharing this.
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I’m glad you liked it. I try to share all my ups and downs in hopes that it helps others avoid the mistakes I’ve made and skip to the right things.
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