Disheartened... but fighting on

29.11.10

Over the past few weeks, I've received three rejections. Two said my book 'wasn't for them', but, as usual, wished me luck in finding an agent who felt differently. And the third said that it sounded too 'fantasy' for her.
*Sigh*
I know I must persevere. Pretty much all succesful authors have found themselves in my shoes. I've read that bestselling novelist Jodi Picoult was rejected some 100 times! And JK Rowling received 12 apparently. Stephen King received dozens. So far, I've had about 10 (for Raven).
In this business, you need to have a certain amount of thick skin but above all you must believe in yourself... and I do, of course. Otherwise I wouldn't write at all. But it can be disheartening, especially if you're feeling a bit down (hormonal, more like!!). I'm sure in a few days I'll feel better.
Are you still waiting for that elusive agent that falls in love with your book? How are you feeling? Have you had many rejections? I'd love to hear from you.

14 comments :

  1. Rejections aren't easy at all! But ten isn't that many! Keep persevering! Give yourself a day to feel bad and then pick yourself up and send more queries out!

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  2. Hello Suzy, the most important thing is that you believe in you. Keep smiling, keep writing and never never give up. We are all behind you and you will hear the loud roars when you tell us you are accepted. Until then, enjoy the journey...sending hugs x

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  3. Yes, with determination you will get there, that's a fact!

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  4. You guys are awesome! Thank you for the support!
    x

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  5. Stick with it! You never know when something is going to pop up!! I think it's an initiation for most writers, and we just have to keep with it, edit as much as we can, and try again:)

    I made friends with rejections about a year ago :p I had two CPs look at it, but have that work on the back burner for now as I work on a new project...which I hope to query in February so they'll be new rejections for me I'm sure :p but one day *fingers crossed*

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  6. Thanks Erica! I like the way you've put it... that it's an initiation...that makes sense, while it also helps come to terms with it!
    Good luck (and fingers crossed) with yours too.
    x

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  7. Hang in there, Suzy. Yes, I've had my share of rejections, which means I need to keep working to become a better and better writer.

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  8. Yes, so nice of them to wish you luck in your endeavor! I think I'm going to wallpaper my office with my rejection notices, because it's so uplifting, all of their good wishes. Keep it up, Suzy. You're doing all the right things and more importantly, you're a good writer :-).

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  9. I feel your pain. I wrote a short post on what I like to call the "Querying Funk". I always find myself in a place where I don't know which way to turn with my writing. All I can say is, Keep on Keepin' on!

    If you're interested in reading the post you'll find it at http://www.divinesecretsofthewritingsisterhood.blogspot.com

    Keep your hopes high and your expectations, well, I'm not sure where you should keep those. I keep mine in my sock drawer. ☺

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  10. I know how rotten rejections can feel -- I've certainly had a lot of them myself. But keep plugging away, Suzy! I love your blog. Try not to feel so disheartened. By the way, I left you a Versatile Blogger Award at my blog -- stop by to claim it and pass it on.

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  11. The most important thing, in my opinion, is to KEEP WRITING. I've had close to a hundred queries rejected (on four different manuscripts), but I keep plugging away because writing is something I can't live without.
    Write1Sub1

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  12. I've been unable to post for a few days and I've only just noticed all these fabulous messages from your awesome fellow writers! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You've certaionly made me feel so much better. Knowing that I am in the company of some fantastic writers makes me feel that this is just one aspect of being a good writer. It is something I am coming to terms with. Thanks for being so kind!!
    Hugs x

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  13. Hang in there, Suzy. It'll get better. Also, I agree with Milo. Keep writing.

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