Positive Rejections?
Overcoming The Fear Of Rejection.
This article was published as part of the "Novel Physics," newsletter. To see this series, click here.
Fear of Rejection?
One of the biggest writing deterrents is the fear of rejection. Many writers rationalize with excuses as, "I’m not ready," or, "Once I read that instructional/attend this convention/participate in that seminar, I’ll be better."
In reality all writers fear this to some degree, it is no different than the new small business owner who hopes their product or service will be successful.
The only way to conquer this fear is to face it. Subject yourself to the positives and negatives of rejection. You may feel more confident after a new book or seminar, but that does not improve your writing. You improve your writing by writing and only by writing.
Writers and authors often hear horror stories about abusive and degrading rejection letters from editors and agents. Some writers have implied their rejections resembled verbal attacks instead of a professional decline.
The Fact Is:
The worst rejection a writer normally gets is the "form-letter." This is an auto-generated letter the editor/agent may sign, but not write. It is cold, generic, and impersonal. But, even these are also professional. One example of a form-rejection letter would be:
Dear _______ (author’s name filled in);
Thank you for your submission and your interest in our company. Unfortunately, I feel this work is not for me. As an (editor/agent), I must have enthusiasm for all work I choose to (accept/represent). While I feel I’m not the best professional for your work, I would encourage you to submit elsewhere. Best of luck in your publishing career.
Sincerely, (Agent/editor name)
Most form letters are as brief as this, if not shorter. When you consider this is the worst professional rejection, submitting isn’t so intimidating.
The Positives:
As mentioned earlier, there are wonderful rejection letters. They often contain insider tips that are honest, helpful, and constructive. They may tell you of another professional who would be interested, give you invaluable tips on improving your work, or offer praise for your ability.
In these awesome rejection letters, an editor/agent will give you personal attention even though you aren’t a client. They give you a direction on where to go in your field of interest.
Appreciation:
It is of the utmost importance to be appreciative to extra professional attention. Editors and agents do not have to tell you anything more than, "No thanks." A few lesser congenial professionals don’t send form-letters, they do simply scribble a, "No thanks," somewhere on correspondence and send it back to you.
A professional may reject your material, but that is all. It is a rejection on your work, not you as a person or author. It isn’t an insult to your ability, a rejection simply says the item you queried with didn’t fit their usual material or hold a interest with their company.
Any time a professional tells you how to improve, appreciate it. They have clients, staff writers, and many others who demand their attention, yet your work impressed them so much they ignored their obligations to help you.
Closure:
A rejection is not a life-sentence. It has no influence or sway on other professionals. Authors aren’t, "black-listed," where once you’re rejected from one company, you can’t get in to any other. Unless it is a requirement to query, you aren’t under any obligation to tell potential editors/agents you work has been rejected by any others. It is a simple refusal from one professional in an entire world of publishers, editors, and agents.
©2003, Laura Wright. All rights reserved.