Talent isn’t enough if
you REALLY WANT to be a published writer… yes, it helps A LOT, but —
Every successful writer
has gotten rejection slips, been panned by an internet troll (okay, the
internet is more recent than some of our writing icons), gotten a lousy review,
known of a publisher or periodical that’s closed its doors, had to fight for an
agreed-to payment, realized that his/her writing income wasn’t going to pay the
month’s bills, got scammed by some not-so-reputable vanity press, or one of a
myriad of other negatives. The SUCCESSFUL writer has been able to say “Been
there. Done that. Move on.”
There are even a few
would-be writers who have more creativity with words than some of our
bestsellers, but they decided to hide their skill after the first rejection
slip or negative interaction with the publishing industry. Some very talented
people with great stories to tell give up before they even begin, they deny
themselves fulfilling a dream and they deny the public access to their word-craft.
Both sides lose. Writing is a very personal effort as well as being solitary,
giving the time to dwell on fears and uncertainty, and everyone has them.
Successful writers (and
some not yet successful but determined) have found ways to push the Negative
Nellies into the closet and shut the door. You wouldn’t be the first, or last,
writer to get a rejection — don’t take it personally. Most times all you’ll get
is a form letter; various responses include: this isn’t a fit for us; we’ve
recently covered this topic; we do not accept freelance submissions; or we do
not accept unsolicited submissions. Honestly you should have researched the
publisher/publication to know what style “fits”; checked at least recent
editions for topics covered; and certainly if submission guidelines exist, find
them and follow them. None of that will guarantee acceptance, but it will at
least eliminate some of the obstacles AND may even impress a busy
submissions editor.
As I said, don’t take
rejection personally. There are a lot of legitimate reasons for rejection and
often have nothing to do with your writing. A publisher may simply be
overwhelmed with submissions. Or a robo-system automatically emails rejections
when a submission editor is not manning the desk (vacation? Bathroom break?
Office meeting?); this happened to me when I sent an email proposal and
received an immediate rejection that was actually time stamped a full two
minutes before the email was actually opened and read!
There are a few times
when a rejection is personalized and sometimes includes constructive criticism,
other times it’s personalized and outright nasty. Remember that the person who
received your submission/query is human, sometimes fallible, sometimes
arbitrary and sometimes obstinate. Take the time to CONSIDER any reason given,
learn from it if applicable, and move on. Re-submit to someone else or consider
self-publishing; if you choose self-pubbing make sure that your work is your
best effort before going there. And know that even some of the greatest books were
rejected even hundreds of times before becoming bestsellers.
There are some ways that
you can improve both your confidence and your work: Read a lot, surround
yourself with words; write a lot, you’re going to edit anyway so just write;
talk with other writers, they will understand what you are going through; watch
your health, take breaks, exercise, and make sure you get enough sleep;
socialize with other human beings and include non-writers, family and
interesting people; enjoy re-reading your own work; join a writing group,
either in-person or online and learn about techniques, opportunities and other
writing related events; and if you can, get involved in an informed critique
group. There are many useful books on the market about writing, read a few.
Start a blog where you post regularly and hopefully will receive feedback from
readers.
The main thing you need
to do is change your mindset, think of yourself as a WRITER and not a wannabe, and
yes mantras in front of the mirror DO WORK, try it.
Writing Exercise: Set your timer for 30
minutes, choose a topic (any) and write, don’t stop until that timer goes off.
Writing Prompt: Make a list of the ten people
you spend your most time with; next to each name list just one interesting
thing about that person.
Challenge Assignment: Take a notebook and pen
to a public place and people watch. Choose any ten strangers (be discreet) and
CREATE a name and short profile about each; include things such as career,
family, social background, family life, hobbies, etc. It doesn’t have to be
accurate, but it does have to be believable.
