And another one bites the dust…

[cathschaffstump]

Donald Maass sends a polite rejection.

I have noticed among some of you a reluctance to be rejected. It is an important part of your growth as a writer. Everyone tells you that you will be rejected much more than you will be published, and it’s true. Please don’t allow it to keep you from sending things out. Every rejection I get for a query I write is someone who will remember my query as professional and sincere. Perhaps the next time I take a manuscript out for a spin, they will remember the promise of this one, or that they were favorably inclined toward me.

You can’t build that kind of coin when you stop sending out queries, or you’re afraid to.

***

The other trap a lot of new writers fall into is “revision unto perfection.” I’m not a seasoned pro, so take this advice for what it’s worth, but you may want to work on something else, sit on the rejected work for a while (I’m thinking a year or two) and circulate something new. Why? Because several agents ask you specifically not to resolicit a work they’ve rejected. I think that you may need substantial time to re-envision your work, so that it is truly something different for them.

This would be the keep writing advice.

Wow. Who put this soap box here, and when did I decide to climb up on it? I’m getting back to making dinner.

Catherine

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

Comments

[brian-ohio.livejournal.com]

I like that post a lot, even with the soapbox. And I like your stamina and heart. Nice!

[h311ybean]

You're right about the rejections. I think rejection in general - whether by agents, employers, grad schools or whatever - can help one grow as a person by learning from his/her mistakes or shortcomings, as well as a chance to still leave a favorable impression on someone who can still be a contact in the future (hence it's important to take it well, as you have).

You're also right, though, that learning from your mistakes isn't necessarily about changing what's wrong right away. Some necessary changes, like learning new work skills or improving a story, would definitely take time.

Please jump on the soapbox any time the mood takes you. We're happy to listen!

[krysta-3.livejournal.com]

This was a great post, Catherine! I've heard it said it sometimes takes up to the fourth or fifth book before a writer finally gets an agent. I don't know if it takes that long because they build up, like you said, a favorable inclination from these agents they've been sending to all along, or if it's just that it takes some of us that long to perfect the query/writing skills necessary to catch their eye.

I had to write four books before it happened for me. You're not on a soapbox. This is a very encouraging post, and it's true that once you finish said book and polish it up nice and shiny with one revision, set it aside and start on the next one, or query it while you start on the next one. Just start another one, already. Don't be a one book wonder-if... :)