"Write a book," they said. OR, "You're a good writer - you'll be published in no time," they said. Except that the they that I'm referencing came from my loved ones. It did not come from SOMEONE IN THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY.
Rejection.
Sadly, it is part of every writer's journey.
But it still sucks. It really does and I won't downplay it. I'm truly sorry if that's your experience or maybe even your entire writing experience. I'm not sure that it ever feels any better (maybe it does once you have a signed contract, but I'm not there yet!), but it does get easier and (hopefully) you'll be less and less affected by it.
Literary agents and Publishers are inundated with people like you and me. To you, it's all new. You're one of the only people you know - if not the only person you know - who has actually written a book or has a dream to write one. But to them, this is business and business is a number's game. It involves an investment. They're looking for not only a well-written and unique story, but a novel that will drive sales, inspire, has a large potential reach in a particular market, etc. It's not personal.
YOU STILL WROTE A BOOK. YOU HAVE CHASED AND ACCOMPLISHED ONE OF YOUR DREAMS. THAT IS HUGE AND WORTHY OF CELEBRATING! DON'T MINIMIZE THAT.
From day one, my goal with this blog/website has been to be transparent throughout my writing, editing, and publishing process. Obviously, I don't have all of the answers since I'm still struggling my way through the publishing process and rejection is still very much a part of my story, so please take what I have to say with a grain of salt.
I have to believe that writing, like anything else, is a practiced skill. What separates the wheat from the chaff is what you choose to do with the rejection and the reason behind your writing. What's your why? Because that will be what propels you forward. Is your why to become a NY Times bestseller? Is it to get rich and be famous? Is it because you love writing? Is it just to say that you've been published? Is it because you had an idea burning inside of you that you just had to get out? Is it to change the world? Is it to inspire a life? Is it a combination of those things?
None of those things are wrong. But be honest with yourself because writing is not for the weak or faint of heart. Why did you write this book? If it's because you love to write and tell stories then rejection shouldn't stop you. Keep honing your craft. If it's because you want to be rich quick then you may want to consider expanding your marketing platform beyond your novel. Just be honest about your goals.
As for me, I'm already dreaming about book two....
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