Why Post All the Rejections?

[cathschaffstump]

I wonder if you wonder why I’m busy posting about all the queries and rejections that I get in my journal. During a rejection streak like this one, it may seem like I am a glutton for punishment.

I’ve never made any bones about the idea that this journal is to keep me submitting and keep me honest. Actually, during the streaks of rejection, when you do want to quit, it is very helpful. Besides, I am truly one of those corny writers who sees every step of this journey, rejections included, as forward movement.

If I were a writer who actually had a large fan base, I would probably switch this over to a journal where I would spend my time trying to be witty and clever. Right now that would take away from my actual writing time Except, you know, for the wit that might creep in naturally, unschooled and unnoticed, and consequently unedited.

This journal is a log. And it’s a resolution. Oh, it is one more thing. It is also a picture for other writers. I want to document the length and breadth of this journey. I hope some day, especially after I get my movie deal due to Hulk Hercules and can snag an agent with a film deal, some day that other aspiring writers will say, “Oh, it took Catherine XXX (days, months, years, put in your own time span. Please don’t say epochs…). I too can do this!”

Right now I’m in a rejection streak. And I’m not doing much more than sending things out, because I have to take care of some other facets of my life, especially some academic writing. But I am keeping my promise and commitment to myself.

To clarify then: NOT a body count, but rather a journey. NOT masochism, but forward movement. NOT discouragement, but encouragement.

You too can do this! You too can get rejected! And you too will eventually be accepted more and more.

Back to life as I know it.

Catherine

Originally published at Writer Tamago. You can comment here or there.

Comments

[jimhines.livejournal.com]

For a long time, I posted a table that tracked my submissions, rejections, and sales for each year. I had people tell me it was a bad idea, because it was like flaunting your failures.

Every writer knows rejection is a part of the process. Or if they don't know, they need to learn. So pbbt on that and "Hell yeah!" to the posting of rejections. Heck, one of the most popular posts I ever did on LiveJournal was a discussion of how long it took me to sell a book, and how many rejections I collected on various novels to get to that point.

I do disagree with you on one thing, though. You're a writer. Ergo you are a bit of a masochist ;-)

[david-bridger.livejournal.com]

I'm one of those corny writers, too. Every wrong agent tried is a step closer to finding the right one.

[cathschaffstump.livejournal.com]

I do disagree with you on one thing, though. You're a writer. Ergo you are a bit of a masochist ;-)

Sure. But not in the seriously twisted sense? *wrings hands*

[cathschaffstump.livejournal.com]

I hope you're feeling much better so you are back at it. :)

Catherine

[david-bridger.livejournal.com]

Well, not yet. First thing I need to do is get the VR software installed, but I'm so exhausted from pain that both times I've tried to do it I've been spaced out and useless within minutes of trying to concentrate.

But thanks for the thought. I'll get there soon. :)

[kurtoons.livejournal.com]

There's an obscure little P.G. Wodehouse story about a writer who decided to start a collection of rejection slips. Unfortunately, he was something of a completist. He had only one magazine left. First he tried a pretentious article on Evolution. The magazine accepted it. Then he tried a dreadful drippy romance story which had been bounced by thirty other times. The magazine, which had hitherto never printed any fiction, accepted it too. By now, he was becoming obsessed. Finally he sent the magazine a utterly wretched parody of a popular sentimental poem. With trembling excitement he opened the return envelope, only to fall dead with a bitter laugh.

They returned the poem without a rejection form!!!