Just sharing the best rejection story ever, in the hope that it will help someone--I got my first rejection in 1991, and I brought the letter with me to my friend Jill's house. We went to her brother's house--author Tom Bates, who noticed I was "off" and asked what was wrong. I showed him the rejection and fought tears as he read it. He went inside and I waited, confused, until he came out with a tray of champagne flutes. He said "Kristin became a real writer today; let's celebrate!" It transformed my experience and I remember it every time I get another rejection.
Thank you so much, Laura, for sharing the inner working of submissions to Forest Avenue Press. My biggest rejection came when my agent, someone I'd worked hard to get, rejected my novel after what she claimed were two rounds in New York. She then suggested small presses. I did that. Then COVID descended. No word from the small presses. I decided to take my novel in hand and approach a reputable hybrid press. I have not regretted that decision. She Writes Press has done an admirable job with up upcoming debut novel, About the Carleton Sisters. The novel is where it belongs. Thank you. I celebrate you prioritizing your health.
Such good information and perspective for all of us submitters, Laura. Thank you and do take good care. I'm hearing wonderful things about your new publicity service.
So glad you are getting some answers and finding a balance that works for you. Wishing you good health and stability in all you are endeavoring to do this year.
I have a funny question about the submittal process. I have worked hard consistently on my manuscript, but the truth is it has taken me approximately 10 years to finish it. Like a lot of other people, I have family obligations – two kids (I’d take summers and other periods off because my girls were LOUD and holy living terrors) a nonagenarian mother (90s), a busy husband, etc. My question: is this bad to admit it has taken me this long to finish the manuscript? Will it look bad, like I won’t be able to whip out another book if it comes to that? While I have been writing all my life, this is my first novel and I stumbled through it, learning a TON with only two short (zoom) writing classes. Thanks much for any input you have.
Just sharing the best rejection story ever, in the hope that it will help someone--I got my first rejection in 1991, and I brought the letter with me to my friend Jill's house. We went to her brother's house--author Tom Bates, who noticed I was "off" and asked what was wrong. I showed him the rejection and fought tears as he read it. He went inside and I waited, confused, until he came out with a tray of champagne flutes. He said "Kristin became a real writer today; let's celebrate!" It transformed my experience and I remember it every time I get another rejection.
Thank you so much, Laura, for sharing the inner working of submissions to Forest Avenue Press. My biggest rejection came when my agent, someone I'd worked hard to get, rejected my novel after what she claimed were two rounds in New York. She then suggested small presses. I did that. Then COVID descended. No word from the small presses. I decided to take my novel in hand and approach a reputable hybrid press. I have not regretted that decision. She Writes Press has done an admirable job with up upcoming debut novel, About the Carleton Sisters. The novel is where it belongs. Thank you. I celebrate you prioritizing your health.
Such good information and perspective for all of us submitters, Laura. Thank you and do take good care. I'm hearing wonderful things about your new publicity service.
So glad you are getting some answers and finding a balance that works for you. Wishing you good health and stability in all you are endeavoring to do this year.
I have a funny question about the submittal process. I have worked hard consistently on my manuscript, but the truth is it has taken me approximately 10 years to finish it. Like a lot of other people, I have family obligations – two kids (I’d take summers and other periods off because my girls were LOUD and holy living terrors) a nonagenarian mother (90s), a busy husband, etc. My question: is this bad to admit it has taken me this long to finish the manuscript? Will it look bad, like I won’t be able to whip out another book if it comes to that? While I have been writing all my life, this is my first novel and I stumbled through it, learning a TON with only two short (zoom) writing classes. Thanks much for any input you have.
Lovely Laura.
DOH! I thought I responded to your answers!
Thank you, Dian and Laura, you've encouraged me. :)