Following on from yesterday's Q is for Querying (and Submitting), is rejection. Rejection sucks. It doesn't matter how much I prepare myself for a rejection (and I do. Glass half empty and all that), I'm still gutted every time I receive one.
I usually know what's coming when I see an envelope on the mat with my own handwriting but last week I received a rejection ninja-style. For some reason it didn't come in my own SAE (the handwriting on the front was much neater than mine. It was lovely *jealous*) so I thought 'Ooh, what's this? Oh.'
Rejection is disappointing - whether you're expecting it or not. I used to throw a great big internal tantrum, asking myself what was the point as I obviously wasn't good enough (and other similar whingy whiny stuff) and I still do a little bit. But I am learning to deal with rejection. The tantrums are reducing and you never know, one day I may not have them at all.
How do you deal with rejection?
Agreed! Then I think I'll just give up because I'm so crap, eat chocolate, stop sulking and write a bit! Then forever hate the person who rejected it haha! :D
ReplyDeleteRejection is horrible but chocolate sounds good. Will add that to my tantrum next time.
DeleteI don't care how old I grow, rejection never stops hurting. However, I have grown a bit of a thicker skin with age, and give myself at least three days to get over it. Same with reviews and editor's marks. Writing is not for sissies so be proud of your tantrums. You are, after all, an artist, right?!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a thicker skin. It's proving to be a slow process.
DeleteMy rejections letters have all been nice, but somehow, I do wish they would give us just a little hint as to why? Most say, don't give up, someone will want it, keep on querying. So hopeful is better than no hope. Like all of you, we have worked so hard and the rejection(s) are disappointing. But, I've always been one that after I pout I pick myself up, dust my bruised ego off, and start over querying again. Then you can always self-publish, and try getting yourself known, or bury that manuscript and try, try again. The choice is yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm usually working on my next book by the time the rejections start to roll in so I have a sulk then carry on working on that.
DeleteForgot to tell you. I love your 'R' post.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you ever get used to it, or at least I don't. Especially with writing; you pour your soul out when you write, how can you not be hurt when people reject it>
ReplyDeleteYou're right, I think it'll always hurt. I just need to learn how to deal with it a bit better.
DeleteI deal with them by moving on. I always have the back up plan ready. A list of more editors or more agents to contact. One rejection in means one new query going out.
ReplyDeleteI have a list of agents too so I'm ready to send the next one out (which I'm sticking to this time as I usually get disheartened and give up).
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