I'm sorry for all those rejections, but you turned lemons into lemonade for yourself. Brava! And amen to treating ourselves kindly: I just purchased concert tickets and will be making a big pot of soup later. Life's too short to do otherwise. If you're going the indie route, please let me know if I can be of help.
That's so hard. All you can do is celebrate the positive reactions. Unless someone gives you specific advice about what bothered them. Then you can revise. That's what happed to me. After a few rejections and a couple of the same comments my agent and I calculated what changes we could make. Then it ws accepted. Because of the changes? I'm not so sure about that.
Thanks Carl. Even with specific suggestions the writer has to decide if that's the vision they had for that project. The choice to sell out or stick with your original story is probably different for everyone.
Absolutely! On the flip side, I've heard of authors who stepped away from a contract bc an editor wanted them to kill off a character. The decision can be so personal. I've always assumed Industry professionals know best. But now, I have to do what's best for me. 😉
You're smart not to let these experiences get you down. A great story will always find its audience one way or another, and one great story usually leads to many more. Publishing, like so many other industries and professions can be arbitrary and capricious, and sometimes cruel, but if you bloom where you're planted, you will find the success you're looking for.
I'm sorry for all those rejections, but you turned lemons into lemonade for yourself. Brava! And amen to treating ourselves kindly: I just purchased concert tickets and will be making a big pot of soup later. Life's too short to do otherwise. If you're going the indie route, please let me know if I can be of help.
You'll be first to know!
I love this manuscript! It is very well written!!
Aww thank you! Just like you, I'm going for it solo, Val. You're on my list of people to call! 😁
That's so hard. All you can do is celebrate the positive reactions. Unless someone gives you specific advice about what bothered them. Then you can revise. That's what happed to me. After a few rejections and a couple of the same comments my agent and I calculated what changes we could make. Then it ws accepted. Because of the changes? I'm not so sure about that.
Thanks Carl. Even with specific suggestions the writer has to decide if that's the vision they had for that project. The choice to sell out or stick with your original story is probably different for everyone.
These are hard decisions because the agent might have an insight that makes the book better.
Absolutely! On the flip side, I've heard of authors who stepped away from a contract bc an editor wanted them to kill off a character. The decision can be so personal. I've always assumed Industry professionals know best. But now, I have to do what's best for me. 😉
I'm not sure I have the courage to do that. Good for them! Hopefully it didn't mean the end of their publishing career.
I watched a presentation by an agent last night. Saleability is everything. So many steps, so many chances for rejection.
So true, Sharon. You've got to have a tough hide, or change the script. We're the authors of our own destiny!
Good for you. I applaud not only your action steps but your response. A positive attitude wins every time!
Thanks Laurie, nice to hear that from you! I hope sharing my process helps others too. :)
You're smart not to let these experiences get you down. A great story will always find its audience one way or another, and one great story usually leads to many more. Publishing, like so many other industries and professions can be arbitrary and capricious, and sometimes cruel, but if you bloom where you're planted, you will find the success you're looking for.
I love that sentiment, Saralyn! Thank you!