"NO ADMISSION ALLOWED"

                             

                                            How to Deal with Manuscript Rejection

            As an author, I understand the frustration of when your manuscript, one that’s gained uncountable hours, fatigue, and months hunkered down for, to only have it passed over.

            Listen, don’t despair; rejection isn’t the end of the world.

            The publishing business today has many avenues to display excellent work and obtain justification for a job well done.

            If faced with one closed door, don’t hesitate to move on to the next, it could be the way in for an eager writer.

            Simply because one’s book wasn’t the right fit for a particular publisher, doesn’t mean they should stop and just give up either.

            The truth is, the majority of publishers focus on agented authors first because it signifies, the manuscript is saleable, promotable, and profitable. Most importantly, it brokers a relationship for future book deals.

            Now, there are plenty of publishers who are feverishly in search of fresh new talent. And are willing to give unagented authors a chance to showcase their work.

            Still, the same demands that dictates who gets chosen and who doesn’t are still in place. So for all serious writers who desire to become published authors, make sure to complete all the requirements.

            I’ll be the first to tell you that the demand for great writers is constant. Let’s face it, the world needs books, but they expect excellent writing too.

            I understand the struggle is real, and some may feel that taking another route, self-publishing, is the equivalent of bowing out gracefully.

            It’s not, but a simplified approach to having one’s publishing dream become a reality.

            For those still convinced that self-publishing is for losers, then they should read the success stories from a list of indie publishers who have gone on to become bestsellers.

            Or, if they persist that traditional publishing is the only way, then my suggestion is that they up their submission game and power forward.

            If one is fortunate enough to obtain the right agent, then let the agent do the shopping for the best publishing deal. But just know, great agents aren’t cheap, and they also require a list of criteria before they will even consider representing any potential client.

            Also, be aware of agents who are too eager to have the client sign with them. They should be vigilant and do their homework. If there’s anything worse than rejection, it’s being duped.

            Manuscript rejection is not the end of the world or the end of any writing career. All rejections aren’t a sign of unworthiness. It merely means some areas require strengthening.

            Constructive criticism wasn’t designed to lower one’s abilities either but to help make them stronger. I, for one, would rather know where my weaknesses exist so I can work to reinforce them.

In the end, if an author is fortunate enough even to get a rejection letter, it means their work received some serious consideration. Plus, if it held pointers on how to improve the story. They should feel honored that an editor took the time to make those comments.

No admission one time doesn’t set the standard for all future entries.