I am dealing with rejections again, I think. Within the past six months I have had two different publishers request full manuscripts on two books. I have not heard from them within the time frame allotted. So does that mean that my mss were rejected or that they were running out of time to notify me? Both of these mss were submitted via email. I would think it would be easy to just click reply and say, “Thank you, Ms. Glaser, we have no plans to publish your book although it is the most fantastic, well-executed story ever written.” Um, okay, I added the last part….
Four years ago when I began submitting books to pubs, I usually sent the query letter, 2 or 3 chapters, bio and used snail mail. I always enclosed an SASE (stamped self-addressed envelope) for a reply. And, lo and behold, I almost always received some kind of an answer (rejections). Some had suggestions for pubs that might be able to use the book, great remarks about the ideas and stories, and some just a form letter stuffed into the envelope. But, hey, at least I KNEW. They didn’t keep me wondering.
I hate to send the ms to another pub if the one who has it has invested time and money in reading it and it may have a chance, albeit small one, that the pub may still have it under consideration.
I know the simple thing is to just ask. I did. Still no reply. I guess I might as well face it…They don’t want the books. sigh
The one thing I have learned after receiving a rejection is that I have improved the book(s) each time. In fact it makes me focus more on what I am trying to achieve with each book and make revisions accordingly.
I must give kudos to the new website for children’s stories… Smories. They closed their contest to choose 50 stories for the site on April 30 and told all the submitters they would let them know if the stories were accepted by May 5. In fact they did let me know May 4. Unfortunately my story was not accepted, but I enjoyed knowing where I stood. The rejection letter was very kind and supportive encouraging me to keep sending stories. (Okay, I know this same email was sent to every one of the thousands of writers who submitted, but give me a little break here.) It is comforting to know they responded, so I will probably consider submitting another story to them when I have a worthy one.
Rejections are hard, but having your story, your book, your article rejected by a pub/online/magazine is not the end of the world. Timing is everything. Just be determined to make it better and to submit it to the right publisher where it will fit with their guidelines. Good luck! And yes, a lot of luck is what determines your acceptance.
J. Q. Rose 