(That's me to the left, waiting to hear back.)
There's something intriguing about the submission process. Last night I finished putting together a package to send out to someone I pitched to at the Desert Dreams conference. I went over the thing with a fine tooth comb, so of course I probably misspelled "the" somewhere in the submission.
The neat part about writing is the waiting. Huh? Neat? Annoying, yes, but it's fun as well, because there's that kernel of hope that never quite dies. As many times as I've been rejected, and there have been many, I still look forward to hearing back from the cool kids club I want to join. Will they take me? Did they already take someone just like me? Do they think my work is appropriate for their line, or that I'm barking up the wrong tree?
I'm not at that point where I don't feel bad if I'm rejected, but I don't take it to heart. This is a business. Period. What one person likes another doesn't. There are editors and agents out there still kicking themselves for turning down JK Rowling. How about all the rejections Amanda Hocking faced? She's now laughing all the way to the bank. And Stephen King thought about giving up. He threw away Carrie. Really. And now look at the success of that book and King himself.
I currently make a living writing, and thus far it's a nice living I'm more than happy with. I'll continue to write, and I think those who can appreciate what I bring to the table will be happy as well. If not, their loss, and I'll march on.
The greatest thing about getting rejections is that it's taught me to believe in myself. Because if I don't think I'm worthy, no one else will. Bottom line is that writers aren't stepping stones, we're a part of the process, a vital part. Editors, agents and publishers obviously have importance, but without the actual story, what are they trying to sell?
My words of wisdom for Tuesday. Now I'm getting ready to hop over to my kids' school for a mother's day luncheon. Then back to writing. My dream job. :)
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3 comments:
Oh the dreaded wait - Know how your feeling. By the way I was at Desert Dreams too. Love the conference and like you I pitched. I hit the send button today after reviewing all the materials I was asked for. Now all I can do is try remain calm and forget it is in the hands of someone else. I've done my part. I wish you all the best. Until you and I hear back, happy writing because I believe you and I are much the same, nothing is going to stop us from putting those words down on paper.
Yep. You said it. I'm writing, period. You want to jump on my gravy train? Terrific. If not, you missed the boat. At least, that's the way I like to think about it. :) You either laugh or you cry. I'm all for laughing.
I know what you mean when it comes to rejection. It still stings and there is still the "maybe they aren't going to understand this..." but for the most part, it's just part of the business.
Right now, I'm just writing to write, not for submission.
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