It doesn’t matter if it’s by lack of response, form letter, or personal note. Ouch.
ALL the authors say rejection is a very big part of trying to get published. To commemorate each rejection we receive for ENHANCED, and prevent it from being totally depressing, I’ve decided to make something beautiful. Because…
… and there’s no reason the journey has to be ugly.
On December 18th, the agent to whom we offered ENHANCEDin an exclusive query let the offer expire without responding. In publishing circles, that’s a rejection. So I made a Jack Sparrow-like compass for my son, aka Captain Draconis Sapphire, and a special box to hold it.
Here, take a look —
For Captain Draconis Sapphire. (This family is big on pirates.)Complete with a real sapphire!Even though you may conquer the danger……more dangers lie hidden.I walk a lot, and I find things. Years ago, I found this circle of crystals around the face of a broken watch lying on a sidewalk. Ooo! What if they’re diamonds?Sea turtles, mate.To find the way.
I didn’t actually build the boxes, but the oiling-waxing-design-painting-gluing was all me! The sapphire came from what I thought was a costume jewelry ring, but turned out to be set in a 10K white gold band with two tiny, low quality diamonds. Huh. If I hadn’t scavenged the stone, I might never have known. (Btw, if you need dragons, the ONLY place you’re likely to find them is the wonderfully quirky Hot Topic.)
Last week, we sent four more queries out. Whatever they lead to, there will be beauty in my life.
Having survived valve repair surgery and an experimental cardiac bypass at age 5, three years before it was an accepted medical procedure, Susan grew into the size of her overworked and enlarged heart. Maybe she thought she had enough to give it away -- twice. Both times, she had to retrieve the shattered pieces and puzzle them back together. She thanks her Dad for the only advice of his she ever followed to the letter: "Never get married. Learn to take care of yourself." So of course she is a writer. Susan has co-written a YA SciFi novel, and has three more novels in various stages of evolution. She's had several short stories published in other people's anthologies, some of which were contest-related.
Let her tell you a story...
View all posts by Sue Ranscht
Someone will bite, Sue and that someone will be a big one. Rejections can be a pain, but I know you’ll pursue reception until this baby is received. I knew you’d create a way to welcome the toll of it all. *big hugs*
Thank you, dear Tre! Your confidence in me is a guiding star, and our commitment is unwavering. I know you understand the need to step away and re-center, to take time to create within a close, personal sphere. I think that kind of creativity, whether with words or little treasures you can hold in your hands, is a spirit-renewing sanctuary. It helps keep life in perspective. I’m glad you are alive and well. *big hugs right back*
You are so right, sometimes some things require us to step away from it, then come back to it with new eyes and concepts. I’m glad you’re pursuing your goal. Thank you, Sue. You are so welcome. 💙
I wonder if I have no idea who ever became a traditionally published author, or failed to escape the purgatory of rejected experts. Not that there’s no mental stimulation and fun to be had there, but it seems like growth opportunities would be fewer and less expansive, doesn’t it?
I suppose your wish for an actual memory is reasonable and realistic. A laudably mature wish. On the other hand, I have found that if I recall a possible memory a sufficient number of times, it becomes as clear as an actual memory, and just as satisfying. Then I can trundle along with as much certainty as any Republican that whatever I say is factually correct.
I love this idea. I think I’m going to have to adopt something like this. I don’t know if I’ll make something, but I think I’ll plan something to do for every rejection. Lovely work!
No, no. I did NOT build the box. I oiled and waxed it, designed the theme and attached the decorations. I’m glad you love your sparkly, starry sea theme compass!
Is it one person who has that much power over a publishing? What a shame if that is the case. Kind of like selling a house…it takes one buyer, that’s all! Never give up!
Most traditional publishers won’t accept manuscripts directly from authors. They deal with agents. Different agents want different genres, so you have to research agents first to see who might want what you’ve written. Then it depends on whether or not your query letter hooks them enough to make them want to read your attached pages and ask for the whole manuscript. THEN they have to believe they can sell it. It’s a filtering process that ultimately depends on whether or not an agent connects with your theme and style. It’s heartening to learn how many rejections best-selling authors experienced before they were ever published. And most of them agree that only authors who give up don’t eventually succeed. We’re all in. 🙂
Ah yes, book rejections are such a dismal part of the field. I certainly received a few, back before it became more customary for editors to simply not respond. I had to keep reminding myself, “It’s not personal. It’s just business.” (Yes, just like Meg Ryan’s character in You’ve Got Mail). Yet, it can feel so personal when we’ve spent so many months pouring ourselves into the work of art we are trying to sell.
Best of luck with your future queries!
Thanks! Did the mantra help? Did you skin ever thicken? Do you think a non-response is kinder or just plain rude? It seems to me that it’s easier for the person doing the business to feel it’s not personal than it is for the person receiving the business to feel that it’s not personal. I remember Meg’s character feeling awful either way. (I love that movie.)
I like to think that I developed a thicker skin, but it’s been awhile since I’ve sent out any queries. I do prefer when the editors/agents respond, though. I even received a few detailed response letters with improvement tips, which I treasured. Guess I should follow your lead and jump back into the arena, since my novel is complete. I will keep trying my best, like you, not to take those rejections to heart. It’s not personal; it’s just business. It’s not personal…
Thank you, Hugh. I figure it beats drinking the disappointment. Besides, it ups the endorphins and makes me feel really good about the re-writing that’s waiting for me. lol
Love your creative repurposing! Not only are you “repurposing” your rejection, but also repurposing the bits and pieces of jewelry to make something new and beautiful. Good luck with the ongoing quest, and don’t give up (I know you won’t)!
Space, Time, and Raspberries 
Someone will bite, Sue and that someone will be a big one. Rejections can be a pain, but I know you’ll pursue reception until this baby is received. I knew you’d create a way to welcome the toll of it all. *big hugs*
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Thank you, dear Tre! Your confidence in me is a guiding star, and our commitment is unwavering. I know you understand the need to step away and re-center, to take time to create within a close, personal sphere. I think that kind of creativity, whether with words or little treasures you can hold in your hands, is a spirit-renewing sanctuary. It helps keep life in perspective. I’m glad you are alive and well. *big hugs right back*
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You are so right, sometimes some things require us to step away from it, then come back to it with new eyes and concepts. I’m glad you’re pursuing your goal. Thank you, Sue. You are so welcome. 💙
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❤
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As I have no idea who once said, Anyone who hasn’t had a rejection is an amateur.
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I wonder if I have no idea who ever became a traditionally published author, or failed to escape the purgatory of rejected experts. Not that there’s no mental stimulation and fun to be had there, but it seems like growth opportunities would be fewer and less expansive, doesn’t it?
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The problem is, we’ll never know. I do wish I had an actual memory and knew from time to time who I was quoting.
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I suppose your wish for an actual memory is reasonable and realistic. A laudably mature wish. On the other hand, I have found that if I recall a possible memory a sufficient number of times, it becomes as clear as an actual memory, and just as satisfying. Then I can trundle along with as much certainty as any Republican that whatever I say is factually correct.
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Thanks for the much-needed laugh.
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I love this idea. I think I’m going to have to adopt something like this. I don’t know if I’ll make something, but I think I’ll plan something to do for every rejection. Lovely work!
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Thanks very much! I’d love to hear about what you decide to do.
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I want it to be something that won’t cost too much money and also not something that will involve poor eating. Hm *puts on thinking cap*
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I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with. 🙂
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By the way, you never told me you built the box…I love mine….it’s perfect!
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No, no. I did NOT build the box. I oiled and waxed it, designed the theme and attached the decorations. I’m glad you love your sparkly, starry sea theme compass!
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Is it one person who has that much power over a publishing? What a shame if that is the case. Kind of like selling a house…it takes one buyer, that’s all! Never give up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most traditional publishers won’t accept manuscripts directly from authors. They deal with agents. Different agents want different genres, so you have to research agents first to see who might want what you’ve written. Then it depends on whether or not your query letter hooks them enough to make them want to read your attached pages and ask for the whole manuscript. THEN they have to believe they can sell it. It’s a filtering process that ultimately depends on whether or not an agent connects with your theme and style. It’s heartening to learn how many rejections best-selling authors experienced before they were ever published. And most of them agree that only authors who give up don’t eventually succeed. We’re all in. 🙂
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What? You made those??? How beautiful and magical, Sue. I was expecting origami storks. I want you to be my mom. 😀
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LOL! I’ve folded a few storks in the distant past — far fewer than 1,000 — but they’re difficult to dust, and the ceiling fans flop them to the floor.
Are you up for adoption? 😉
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Ha! No. My parents would be upset. But I love your creativity!
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It’s important to keep the parents happy. 🙂 Thanks very much!
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Best of luck to you! I love your positive attitude about the whole process 🙂
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Thanks very much! I think redirecting the creativity does actually lessen the sting. 🙂
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I think so too, and a great way to look at it!
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Ah yes, book rejections are such a dismal part of the field. I certainly received a few, back before it became more customary for editors to simply not respond. I had to keep reminding myself, “It’s not personal. It’s just business.” (Yes, just like Meg Ryan’s character in You’ve Got Mail). Yet, it can feel so personal when we’ve spent so many months pouring ourselves into the work of art we are trying to sell.
Best of luck with your future queries!
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Thanks! Did the mantra help? Did you skin ever thicken? Do you think a non-response is kinder or just plain rude? It seems to me that it’s easier for the person doing the business to feel it’s not personal than it is for the person receiving the business to feel that it’s not personal. I remember Meg’s character feeling awful either way. (I love that movie.)
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I like to think that I developed a thicker skin, but it’s been awhile since I’ve sent out any queries. I do prefer when the editors/agents respond, though. I even received a few detailed response letters with improvement tips, which I treasured. Guess I should follow your lead and jump back into the arena, since my novel is complete. I will keep trying my best, like you, not to take those rejections to heart. It’s not personal; it’s just business. It’s not personal…
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Best of luck to you! Let us know how it’s going.
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What a lovely way to deal with rejection. I wish I had thought of that years ago!
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Thank you, Hugh. I figure it beats drinking the disappointment. Besides, it ups the endorphins and makes me feel really good about the re-writing that’s waiting for me. lol
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Love your creative repurposing! Not only are you “repurposing” your rejection, but also repurposing the bits and pieces of jewelry to make something new and beautiful. Good luck with the ongoing quest, and don’t give up (I know you won’t)!
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Thank you, Lulu. We’ve made the commitment to succeed. 🙂
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They look amazing! A shame about the rejection but their loss – let’s hope the positivity sends out its waves to the new queries! Best of luck 🍀
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Thanks very much!
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I love it! And what a wonderfully positive way to accept and move on 🙂 Keeping fingers crossed for you…x
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Thanks very much, Samantha!
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