Picture
Because Mondays suck in general, I thought I’d take the time to announce that I’m now officially a writer. I got my first rejection letter in the mail last week. Sigh.

No, I didn’t cry. My heart sank, I moped, stuffed a few Oreos in my mouth, sent out some emails so I could be reassured I didn’t suck, ate a few more Oreos, then moped some more.

Why was the story rejected? To make a long story short, the editor didn’t like the hero’s backstory (he competed on a reality dating show) and felt readers wouldn’t buy him as a heroic character.

To be perfectly honest, I was flabbergasted when she first told me this. By no means do I think I'm a perfect writer. I can point out the flaws in my writing and the story with little to no help from anyone else. I know this manuscript isn’t perfect. But this flaw is something I never considered. I conjured up this story idea years ago, and I’ve never once thought it was a bad idea.

I understand that it is very easy for reality show people to be unlikeable. Trust me, I’ve disliked plenty of them. But there are some contestants who I’ve absolutely adored, and I took some of their best qualities and imbued my hero with them. As they say, “He was there for the right reasons.” :)

No, I’m not saying the editor was wrong. She’s the editor of that line and knows and understands readers’ and the line’s expectations a whole lot better than I do. Obviously. LOL.

But I did learn a few lessons that will help me in the future.

1.    Know the line/house you’re targeting inside and out. It’s one thing to read the line. It’s quite another to study it. The editor’s point (and I’m doing a little assuming here) is that the line promises readers’ a fantasy, especially when it comes to the hero.The reality show was a little too real because readers know that world. Everyone has heard of The Bachelor and probably has an opinion on it, whether or not they watch the show, and for many people it’s not positive. I’ve read the books from the line I'm targetting, but I haven’t studied them as critically as I should. That’s going to change.

2.    Everything isn’t going to appeal to everyone. There are some topics that are going to push people’s buttons and often you won’t know until you get that rejection letter. Or, in my case as a reader, I put your book down and refuse to buy it. There’s a popular, contemporary romance writer who has a series out I have no intention of reading. I’ve read and enjoyed her books in the past, but I can’t get past the subject matter in this series. I know the author LOVES it because I follow her on Twitter, but I just can’t.

3.    Love what you write, but be willing to take advice. I’m passionate about the subjects I’ve written about, and I hope that shines through. However, the editor made some valid points that I plan to incorporate into this manuscript and future ones. If you don't take the advice, know why and be able to articulate it. Being stubborn for the sake of being stubborn or thinking your writing is perfect isn't going to cut it.

Will this book ever get published? The better question is will any of my books get published? I don’t know, but I don’t intend to stop pursuing it any time soon.

I think this story still has merit. I’m letting the rejection marinate for a while and then I plan to reopen the document and perform some surgery and send it elsewhere. I might feel differently if it gets rejected by everybody in the publishing world, but for now I choose to remain positive about it and take the lessons I’ve learned to heart.

 


Comments

Robin Covington link
04/11/2011 12:09

You are really a writer - not because of the rejection but because you took a step back, analyzed the situation and learned from the rejection.

Great job and good luck! With your dedication to the craft, you'll get there!

Reply
Jamie Wesley
04/11/2011 12:36

Hey Robin,

Thanks for the comment and boost. You're right. I'm determined to learn from my mistakes and make the next manuscript even better!

Reply
Nancy Holroyd
04/11/2011 13:07

Hi Robin,

You can be really proud of yourself for taking a step back and thinking objectively about what the editor had to say.

I think your idea can work if you find the right editor/publisher. I've read a story that has a reality dating theme--however it was a chick lit type single title book--not a category romance. It was hip, funny and the hero came off very well (well, not always, but the reader knew he would come out all right in the end). So don't necessarily file this MS away. When you are looking for a project, work some more on it and think where else you can send it.

Good luck!

Reply
Piper
04/11/2011 14:07

Well said Jamie. And I think your approach is right, Kimani is not the only place in the world. . .

Reply
Kwana link
04/11/2011 14:44

Congrats on your rejection and your great attitude. Hang in there and get that baby back out. Good luck.

Reply
Jamie Wesley
04/11/2011 18:01

Hey ladies,

Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. They're very much appreciated.

I haven't given up on the story. I still really like it. There are a few things I want to change and then I'll send it out again.

Reply
Michelle Styles link
04/11/2011 23:11

Jamie --
Hugs on the R but how fantastic to get a personalised R on your furst submission. The editor must see something inyour writing. Hopefully you are going to really craft something special.
1. Is this an R or is she willing to see it again after you revise?
2.Making your hero aspirational and likeable can be hard. You really should examine the first time the heroine/the reader meets him.
3. Take any personal feedback from an editor as a real sign that you have a publishable voice and will make it.
3. My fingers are very crossed for you!!!

Reply
Christine Bell link
04/12/2011 06:31

Hey Jamie,
SO sorry about your R, but you have a winning attitude! You sulked, regrouped, and pushed forward. The fact that you were able to do that so quickly says a lot about you as a person and as an aspiring author. I look forward to reading your call story soon.
Hugs,
Christine

Reply
Sandii Manning
04/12/2011 08:05

Hi Jamie,

First up aren't Oreos awesome!

What a fantastic blog and attitude. Thanks for sharing. Rejections suck big time and they hurt. But you've stood back and taken the advice on board and you're coming back to the story later. I think you're already back on the horse!

Can't wait to read your call story.

Best wishes,
Sandii

Reply
CJ Miller
04/13/2011 12:36

Hi Jamie,

I enjoyed your post. I especially like what you said about studying the line/house you're targeting. I had a similar experience when I submitted to a Harlequin line and an editor pointed out an issue with my heroine. Those snippets of feedback can help make each manuscript a little closer to what the editors want.

Best,
CJ

Reply



Leave a Reply