Most human beings want to feel loved and accepted. Writers are no different. This is why you might experience a rush of (negative) emotions if a publisher rejects your manuscript.
You might think that receiving the dreaded “rejection letter” is the worst thing that can happen to you as a budding author. However, even the most prolific, best-selling authors of all time have “been there, done that” more times than you’d imagine. For example, famed author, Alex Haley received approximately 200 rejections before his best-seller, “Roots” was published.
Don’t lash out if a publisher rejects your manuscript
Rejection is par for the course in the writing industry. If you plan to earn a living as a novelist, you’re likely going to face it at some point. Resist against any temptation you might have to lash out if a publisher rejects your manuscript. Don’t send rage letters to the agency or post negative comments about the publisher on social media.
It’s nothing personal
If a publisher rejects your manuscript, try not to take it personally. Remember that the publisher is rejecting your manuscript, not you as a person. The publisher didn’t think your story (in its present form) was worth a financial investment; however, that is not the same as saying you’re a bad writer or shouldn’t be a writer. Try to view the rejection through an objective lens.
Do not give up on your dream to become an author
Whether you face rejection once, twice, 10, 20, 30 or more times, if you believe you are meant to be an author, keep writing. Don’t give up. It’s also helpful to analyze a rejection letter; did the publisher offer feedback? Perhaps the publisher didn’t feel like the book was a good fit for that agency, or that the timing was wrong, etc., but not necessarily that the story isn’t worth publishing.
You hopefully enlisted support from beta readers, professional reviewers and editors before submitting your manuscript to a publisher. If not, then you’ll want to do so if a publisher rejects your manuscript. Even asking friends and family members who enjoy your chosen genre helps determine whether there’s a market for your story. Approach every rejection as a potential learning experience; be open to constructive criticism and re-work your manuscript to make it more attractive for prospective publishers.
