Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Writing and Rejections

Rejections...they come hand in hand with writing. Any writer who wants their material out there better be prepared to receive them. I love to get a ton of them because it means I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing - submitting. Occasionally, I get those wonderful acceptance letters - they increase as I send out more proposals and to more markets. But I honestly think the best skill I've learned as a writer is to take rejection well.

Recently, I sent a book proposal into a publishing house. On their website - they remind authors that 'we don't know you personally so don't take it personally if we don't accept your manuscript' or something like that. I loved their reminder. An editor doesn't reject me when they say 'no thanks.'

So I sit here waiting in earnest for my next email saying yes or no - somehow an email is an easier way to take rejection - click the delete button and it's gone. If I get a rejection by the good old US postal system, it takes a bit longer to open the envelope, read the words, wad it up and toss it in the paper can or keep it in my files.

But one good acceptance outweighs all the rejections in a lifetime. It's worth it.

2 comments:

Lynda Lee Schab said...

Terri, I found your blog through Jennifer Hudson Taylor's website. I love your thoughts, here. So true! Sadly, I haven't gotten any acceptance or rejection letters back lately, as I haven't been submitting at all! Ugh. Gotta get on that after the holidays. :-)
You go, girl! Keep on submitting. I look forward to hearing about those acceptance letters!
Hugs & wishes for a Merry Christmas,
Lynda

midspoint said...

Terri...I have two rejection letters... ;) need I say more?? LOL
Now, I will be looking to receive anything come the first of the year! I'm sooo apprehensive about going out into the publishing world and making my presence known. This will definitely increase my faith muscle!! (yes, I am the one who loves exclamation points!!!)
Blessings!! mid