Though it is Travel Tuesday, I am adding to my normal post to say hey and thanks to everyone who is joining us. I thought we might continue on with the post that started last Wednesday on the best, worst, and most brutal rejections we receive as writer's.
A few of my favorite, least favorite, or most contradictory rejection notes:
-- The plot is strong, but I think the writing needs some work.
--I have to say that you have a really nice style. It reminds me of Jodi Picoult in the way that you connect.
-- It's an intriguing plot, but you may want to consider making the writing less sentimental
-- I'm just not compelled to keep turning the pages
-- I wish all the writing that crossed my desk was of this quality.
-- Selling something of this length is really difficult, unless it is truly exceptional, which this is not
Ouch. Some of those sting. But some of them also make very little sense.
ReplyDeleteSigh. Rejections can be so silly sometimes.
Thanks for the linkage!
My current post is about rejection, as well, just at different stages. It's never easy, but the more you experience it, the tougher you'll become, which is essential if you want to become a published writer, because it doesn't end at queries. Just as your query is perceived subjectively, so is your writing. You'll never be able to please everyone. Just keep true to yourself & your story. See you over at Matthew's!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how some of the rejections seem to contradict one another. This really is a subjective business!
ReplyDeleteThat is what struck me, and ultimately convinced me to stop taking it so personally!
DeleteI threw away all of mine. I think I had like 48 or something like that. I got nothing useful from them. Over half were form rejections. The other half were unremarkable in their critiques.
ReplyDeleteSome nice rejection notes. I wish mine were so good.
ReplyDeleteI quit keeping mine, too. Keep at it Shauna. I want to read your book. I love the premise of it.
ReplyDeleteWow, some of these are brutal. I finally let go of the rejection and deleted everything out of my inbox. I do keep some rejections to show to students when I do school visits.
ReplyDeleteThose are all for the same book? Go figure. But it is subjective and not personal, and it sounds like you've got the right attitude. Good luck with your current query!
ReplyDelete