Over the last year, I’ve begun receiving rejections. Not that I had an oh-look-at-me-I-had-everything-I-ever-wanted kind of life, but more like I took-the-safe-path-by-not-putting-myself-out-there kind of life.
Well, I’m out there now.
Other publishers regret to inform me they will not be accepting my work for publication, but wish me much success in finding the right publisher.
I know I do.
I write because I can’t not write. I write even if no one ever publishes my work.
It stung.
We have a long-standing relationship, a thirty-year relationship built on fond memories and late-night study sessions, culminating with a liberal arts degree I’m willing to pretend helped get me to this point. I hoped Baylor would be proud of her own enough to consider publication, maybe even claiming an inkling of credit.
But no.
In a response one step from blanket blogger spam, Baylor thanked me for my submission yet felt my farm novella wasn’t a good fit for its list… Baylor publishes history and cultural works—my book is about cotton farming—not historical nor cultural enough…
Musical Pairing:
Whew! I feel better:) Back to writing…
Check out my friend’s blog post Facing Our Fears. We wrote about the same topic on the same day…
Sorry to hear about the rejection from a place associated with your alma mater. That would be tough alright. 🙁
I, too, have felt the sting of rejection too many times and lately have stopped submitting just because it seems so hopeless for all the work I put into it. Not the best attitude, I know. I still enjoy blogging though and am writing just for the sheer pleasure of writing at the moment. It sure isn’t for the fame and fortune. Haven’t seen much of either in all the years I’ve been writing.
You have the right attitude to keep persevering and sending work out. You inspire me.
Your novella sounds great and I’m sure it will find a home if you keep at it.
Good luck!
Thanks! And no, writing is certainly not for fame or fortune. On a positive note, I received great feedback from another publisher yesterday:)) T.
I have been saying since I met you that “We’re going to be hearing about you.” You’ve got it going, just gotta find the right fit. Wish I were half as prolific, savvy, and talented!
Oh thank you Dorothy. You are always so encouraging. Meeting you at Hemingway-Pfeiffer has been one of the highlights of my short writing career!
I have had so many rejections that I have lost track. The oddest rejection came with the following comment. “We do not want psychological focus but moral or thematic focus (I have no idea what this means) We do not want the kind of stories printed by the New Yorker and we prefer the ideas seen in Hardy, Graham Greene and Dickens. We have found your story well done but the theme does not interest us.”
That is an odd one Joan! So much of it is luck in finding the perfect fit. Thanks for the comment!
As a struggling writer, donations aren’t a good fit for me at this time. But I wish you much success in finding the right donors…
Hehehehehehe!
🙂
Their loss. Keep writing!
Don’t worry, I will!
I agree with Anita, it’s entirely their loss, Talya. I know it’s just a matter of time before you find the right publisher for your work. ♥
Thanks Corinne:)
I am so glad that you are “out there”! You do have perseverance and you will just keep on, keeping on, until you will make it. I am certain of that. “Donations are not a good fit for me at this time”…….Amen, sister!
Thanks Bat.
Try the U of A Press, your story is (I presume) set around Osceola. However, like Baylor (or you) said, they probaly want more esoteric writing (sniff, sniff) Their loss, but keep looking. Dr. Suess, ee cummings and shel silverstein all had multiple rejections. xxoxo
I did submit it to U of A:)
“As a struggling writer, donations aren’t a good fit for me at this time. But I wish you much success in finding the right donors…”
Thanks, Talya. Reading this made me spit diet cola all over my keyboard!
🙂 good to hear from you. nice visual.
Rejections are part of the process, and unlike most of life, one acceptance for a piece negates and dissolves all the rejections received in prior submittals. Getting 50 rejections for a piece of writing before getting an acceptance only means you submitted in the wrong order 🙂
I agree!
They don’t know what they are missing. It is definitely their loss. I love reading your writing, so you just better keep at it if for no other reason except so I can read it!!
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
haha will do Kathy!
I’ve been in your shoes many, MANY times. Don’t give up. Some of our greatest writers went through dozens of rejections before they were accepted. Hang in there!!
Oh I will:)) I know it’s just part of the process.
Love the ‘pun-intend’ at the end!!! I have no worries – the ‘write/right’ one will come along!!! Did you submit it to any NEA colleges? Your “Ole Happy Day!” is just around the bend. I feel it InMyOldBones! <3