Rejections are a part of the writing business and we all know that.
Rarely does someone submit their first manuscript and have it purchased in an auction or a pre-empt moments after submission.
I’m sure that has happened to someone, somewhere in a parallel galaxy, but honestly that’s just not how it works.
So, we writers prepare ourselves for rejection. We tell ourselves it’s a part of the game and we even begin to look forward to the day we start getting “good” rejections instead of the form, “thanks but no thanks” crap.
We believe that “good” rejections do exist. We have to…that faith helps us move forward. And the reality is, there are good rejections. I just never truly believed until today.
Yes, today I received a “good” rejection.
My lovely and brilliant agent called it a “glowing” rejection. I think I like that better. “Glowing” Mel. (and not like nuclear waste, thank you very much)
The editor liked my voice a “great deal”. She followed that with “Mel has a wonderfully charming voice.”
Standing alone, that sounds fabulous. I wish the sentence would’ve actually read “Mel has a wonderfully charming voice and I want to buy it for ONE MILLION DOLLARS!” (sorry, had to get my Dr. Evil in there…) But, she didn’t.
I’ve reread the email several times and have to say, this is a positive rejection. There’s a rumor in the writing world that we tend to cling to and that is that once the “good” (or glowing) rejections start coming in, that an offer isn’t far behind.
Here’s to believing.
I’ll admit it stung a bit when I read the email. I’ll also admit that even though I’ve expected rejections, that I always had this fantasy where I would be the .0000000000001% of the writers who sold at auction just moments after my agent submitted.
I know that my book wasn’t right for this editor. If it was, she would’ve bought it. And somehow, knowing that helps just a little. I know my agent will sell this book. I know that because she is brilliant and I am brilliant and together, that makes us brilliance squared. There’s no way that the publishing world can ignore brilliance squared for long.
It’s just not possible.
Bitchin' Fiction: Musings by author Melissa McKenzie / Melissa Francis 
((((Hugs Mel))))
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Sorry, Mel. I love your outlook on that first rejection. Hopefully you get good news soon. K.
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Finding the good is important. I really hate it when people just dwell on the bad. I have nothing to be sad about. I got a good response…I just didn’t get bought. Yet. I will. If she liked it that much, all that means is someone else will like it more.And that someone will be the right person for my book. Thanks for the well wishes and hugs. They help.
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I think it was an awesome rejection! You’re close, baby… very close!
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(((HUGS))) I know I don’t need to tell you this, but Chin up, Hun. You ARE brilliant. It’s just a matter of time.
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I’ve already given you what “wisdom” I have on this subject. 😉 You and D will sell this puppy. That’s all there is to it. And after you do (which is likely to be soon) you’ll sell a couple more. And then a couple more. And so on, and so on…Because THAT, my friend, is how the business works!!! LOL!!!! :-DGo Mel!!!
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(((Mel))) I agree with everyone else. You’re bound to get fabulous news soon 🙂
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“I’ll also admit that even though I’ve expected rejections, that I always had this fantasy where I would be the .0000000000001% of the writers who sold at auction just moments after my agent submitted.”Those fantasies are fuel. Keep a good supply on hand!
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I love your positive attitude, Mel. I’m sorry she didn’t just buy it for a million dollars right off the bat, but I do think it was a very good rejection. Someone else out there will grab it up soon, saying, “That’s exactly the southern, sassy, charming voice I’ve been looking for!” You KNOW it will happen. 🙂
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Thanks guys!And Jason! Thanks for popping in! I see that you and I seem to cross blogging paths, I’m glad you found your way to me. (must find my way to you,too)Yes, those fantasies are fuel and I think I’m definitely stocked up for the winter.
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Hugs on the rejection, Mel, but your charming, positive attitude it what will get you sold. Tenacity is the key in this business. And you have the MOST brilliant agent, too. ;-)Good luck. Next time it’ll be the sale news you’re posting here!
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Thanks, Jaci! As a client of the world’s most brilliant agent, I knew you’d understand.I’m happy to say that I actually feel good about my first rejection. It’s a milestone in my career. It validates me, in a way. Plus, I actually bi-passed mounds of yucky form letters and went straight to “glowing” Rs. 🙂 (she says with great hopes that a form R is not sitting in D’s inbox as we speak)You guys are the best.
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It was a GREAT rejection!! And although I’m blushing from the sweet compliment, Mel, you’re the one who’s brilliant. 🙂 We both know that success isn’t far behind!!:)DK
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Sorry, Mel, but your outlook is what’s shining through here! Thanks for sharing a hurt, but inspiring us at the same time! 🙂
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Yes Mel, believe-you wil sell that book with such a great attitude-you go girl!
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“in order to get the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain”firm believer that you can’t truly appreciate success until you’ve failed. and you haven’t even failed…you’ve been glowingly rejected…all part of it. and just remember…when you’re all rich and famous, don’t forget all us little(in my wildest dreams) people!! 🙂
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Hey, good rejection or not, it sucks. (I know this, having a nice folder of “good rejections.”)However, it beats the ever lovin’ you know out of the “indifferent rejection,” because those just leave you with this sense of mystery– like the junior high cafeteria, where you know you ate something for lunch, you’re just not sure… what.{{{{huge enormous hugs and a big drink}}}}Besides, your brilliant agent is clearly right– it won’t be long.
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