An ominous letter came in the mail today. Addressed to myself... by myself... with the return address of the agent in the left-hand corner. I think I literally gulped as I opened the envelope and unfolded the white sheet that was tucked inside.
The letter got right to the point (unlike this post). The agent thanked me for sending my proposal, but said it was not what they were looking for.
But there is more. The agent was very kind and said that my proposal was well done (thanks for your help, Dwarf!). The agent also commented that my writing skills are high (not to toot my own horn or anything...), but I need to work on the crafting of the story. All around, the note was very encouraging. I would pick this type of letter for any writer's first rejection notice.
I am not as disappointed as I expected to be. For years I have been imagining what a rejection letter would feel like, so I think that has helped build a wall against becoming depressed. My family is super supportive. I have a God who still loves me like crazy. Basically, life is still awesome.
I do have some decisions I need to make now. Do I continue to search for the right agent? Do I send the story to an editor? Do I put it aside and work on something else for a while? I definitely need to seek God's guidance at this point (as I should be always, anyway). I'll post when I know what I'm doing, of course.
THANK YOU ALL FOR PRAYING!!! It didn't work out the way I had hoped, but that wasn't what I was praying for. Obviously, God has a different plan. Thank you, thank you, thank you guys and gals for keeping me in prayer and supporting me during this time. You are the best.
Post Tenebras Lux!
-ST
9 comments:
Well, rejection the first time around is definitely the norm. Usually the second, third, fourth fortieth...
But the key is to never give up!
And having a rejection letter that sounds so personalized--take that as a huge compliment! Most agents/editors do not take the time to give you specifics--often you're lucky to get just a form letter.
So, "congratulations"--you've just taken your first step toward acceptance!!
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Kat! I don't plan to give up any time soon. :)
It is so encouraging to see you react the way you did, ST. God has a plan for you! Don't give up! (I know you already said you won't, but I had to say it anyway . . .) I'm praying for you!!!
Kat is exactly right. My congratulations as well. :)
Thanks, guys. You rock! :)
Rejection's can't be fun ;) But hey, would you really want your story published if not many would like it? See that's how I try to look at 'em. Obviously the story needs to be better, or else the agent's a nutcase, and so I'd try my best to make it right :D
Good luck writing. Still praying as always!
Post Tenebras Lux!
-Keeneye
That is the way I think of it too, Keeneye. I am pretty sure the agent isn't nuts, and honestly I have been leaning toward asking an editor I know to take a look at it. Thanks for your prayers, fellow Elf... uh, dude. :)
Awesome! Query letters can be a pain. The one I've sent was never replied to, so consider this (extremely nice, btw) rejection a good step toward publication.
I'd advise you not to give up yet. Send it to another batch of agents before sending it to an editor. Lots of agents don't like taking on a writer who's MS has already been rejected by editors, as those editors may have been contacts they could've helped you with!
My... writing is a nutty buisness. ;)
Thanks, Chris! Hmmm... good point. Definitely need to pray over this some more. :)
I think writing in general is a nutty business! *laughs*
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