Dealing With Rejection

Most writers who are serious about becoming published have more than most likely come across stories of rejection and are well aware of the fact that it's all but a near guaranteed certainty, so this post will be nothing new. But still, despite all that's been heard or read, many writers are still paralyzed by just the mere thought of being rejected.
 
Well, as everybody knows, in this industry, rejection isn't personal. And a lot of it has to do with who you submit your manuscript to, also. You're not going to make a lot of headway sending your fantasy novel to a publisher that only publishes books that deal with religion, or psychology, etc., etc... I was picked up after about a month of submitting because after sending my manuscript to all of the commercial publishers (which you should always attempt) which subsequently rejected me, I decided to go through the books that dealt with my subject matter and find out who published them. I then submitted my book to those publishers, and, fortunately, the first publisher I sent it to, and the publisher I truly wanted, wanted me back. I've written another blog that deals with submitting your story to the right publishing house, so I won't reiterate here (Attempting To Get Published)
 
It used to be that the large commercial publishing houses sought out talent and gave new authors a chance. Now they only risk it if you've been published before and maintained decent sales. Because of that, your best bet is submitting to a small publishing house, or even self-publishing. You don't receive the amenities with self-publication, such as proofreading, typesetting, books in print, marketing, etc., but regardless, that door is open for you so there is hope of getting your work out there if you've been turned away too many times.
 
The small publishing houses are not a guarantee either, however. In many cases a lot of success deals with how professional and "clean" your manuscript is when you send it. First and foremost, you really ought to have proper spelling and punctuation down. And what you submit should flow nicely and lack confusion. A lot of publishing houses receive sloppy, messy manuscripts. How can they take you seriously if that’s how you propose your work? So, REJECTION!
 
Always check out the publisher's website and find out exactly what they expect in the manuscript; do they want the entire book? Do they want only a few sample chapters (in which case choose the most inspiring and sensational chapters)? Do they want a synopsis included? Knowing all of these details and following the proper procedure can reduce your chances of being rejected.
 
But, as I’ve mentioned, I’ve already posted a blog about how to increase your chances in signing a contract with a publisher.
 
The rejection thing…Everybody always says it, and it’s nothing but the truth: You have to keep trying! I am the sort of person who does not want to deal with criticism and will avoid it if it serves no purpose for me. But I’ve always wanted to be a writer and in order to get there I knew I was going to have to swallow that jagged little pill and learn to deal with rejection—and I did. So you need to decide which is more important—your pride, or doing whatever it takes to make your dream or goal come true.
 
There are several stories out there that deal with successful authors being rejected constantly. J.K. Rowling was rejected many times over before being picked up, and she only received a contract by the grace of God when the editor's daughter picked up her manuscript, began reading, and enjoyed it. If J.K. Rowling had quit, I think everyone can agree things would be quite different for her.
 
The biggest thing here to remember, if you’re truly serious about and believe in your work: Fight for it! In fact, being rejected and going back for more is just a testament to how very serious you are. I was looking forward to fighting for my book, to be honest.
 
Please, please, please don’t become discouraged. To be a published author is to have a voice in this world, and it’s an accomplishment that many, many people wish they could complete but never do. Writing is hard work, and writing an entire novel is a huge effort. If you go through all of that trouble only to give up because one person out there isn’t in to your story then you’re foolish. When you submit that manuscript, and when it is read (if it is read), it is subject to that individual’s taste. And not everybody can recognize talent or importance right off the bat. Perhaps it doesn't speak to them. It doesn't mean the next publisher won't be excited over your story. Every industry is rife with tales of those who were not appreciated for their work “at the time”, and certainly the publishing industry is no different.