It is really disappointing to face rejection and sometimes it is rejection after rejection until there are no agents or publishers left to pitch to. When you seemingly hit the end of the road, what do you do?
There are a few options for you and your manuscript. Here are some to consider:
- Put that manuscript on the shelf and start something new. Sometimes it just isn’t the right time for a manuscript and you have to move on. Put that manuscript away–on the “back burner”– and move on to a new project. I have had clients I work with find a home for their “back burner” manuscript years from when they set it aside, so it doesn’t mean it won’t ever find a home, but sometimes it takes time and it’s a good idea to move on to something else in the meantime.
- Do a SIGNIFICANT edit on your project before you try pitching again. There are times when you get feedback with the rejections and if you continually get certain feedback, take it to heart. It might be a sign that you should dig in and revise your book and send it again after a revision. This can’t just be a surface level revision though. You need to dig deep to make the changes necessary to really set your book apart. If you are able to make big changes, you can shop that book again in the future, especially to the editors or agents who gave you the feedback.
- Evaluate your platform. Is there something wrong with your platform that is causing the rejections? Maybe you need to take time off from pitching and writing projects to grow your potential audience and list of followers. Can you grow your newsletter list? Speaking list? Is there some way you can strengthen your online presence? Take time to invest in your reach and find those readers so that your platform is strong the next time you are pitching a project to publishing professionals.
- Consider self-publishing, but be cautious with it. If your book has been rejected over and over again there is likely a reason for that. And if your platform is small, self-publishing isn’t going to be the way to go either. Someone has to market and sell those books and if you don’t have the reach, you are unlikely to move many copies. The pool of self-published books is huge and your book would be just one of millions competing for readership. Better to consider options 1, 2, or 3 first and to really think hard about if self-publishing is the right choice for you. (Lots of good posts about this on our Books & Such blog, so please go back to see those.)
What other paths do you see for an author who might be stuck?
Do you have an encouraging success story that you could share? Were you ever a “stuck” writer and able to break free from that to get published?
How to Make Sure Self-Publishing Doesn’t Dead-End Your Publishing Dreams
No one wants my manuscript,
oh, what am I to do?
My writer’s heart is torn and ripped,
and here I sit and stew
on the injustice of it all,
that comes so very clear,
gatekeepers ‘hind their mossy wall;
how they sit and sneer
at the effort I have made
‘neath a Creative’s burning sun
while they sit idly in the shade
as minions serve Jamaican rum.
I curse them all, each haughty jerk,
and then I just get back to work.
The first three ideas are wonderful, but the continued bias against indie-published authors (of which I am one, with fourteen published books and another due out March 18, and a steady monthly income) is terrible. Yes, you have to do your own marketing, but this is doable. Some Indie authors are earning five figures monthly. And yes, there are a lot of self-published books out there, but if you are serious about your writing path, being an Indie author has a lot to say for it. I wish you’d learn more about successful Indie publishing and balance these types of blogs. You say there are lots of posts on these, but I wonder about their bias.
Good counsel, Rachel. I’ve lived out the first three . . . and know that perseverance and a willingness to grow as a writer are important personal traits.
Although I haven’t yet “made it,” there are some positive lessons I’ve learned from my rejections. Two of those are: Find a critique group. I joined Word Weavers International where I have experienced Authors in my group who offer valuable insights. And, publish smaller works to build my platform while waiting for my larger work to find its home.
Thanks so much, Rachel! Right now, I’m in a slow but steady platform-building season. I’ve gotten great feedback from editors and agents and the suggestion that I grow my platform and do some speaking. I’m working toward that with some strategic self-publishing and a lot of hard work, ha!
I always told my young, inquisitive son, “You’re so full of questions. You must be going places.” He must get it from his mom because here I go with my own. Is there a standard number of newsletter emails that agents anticipate receiving from their authors? What aspects of an author’s platform particularly catch your attention? Thank you for your article, Rachel. While I haven’t yet turned in a manuscript, I am working on my social media platform.
Your caution about self-publishing is refreshing too—honest and realistic, especially about the platform piece.
This blog series is interesting. Articles are coherent with individual highlights. The systematic sharing is great. Looking forward to more great works.
So much valuable content!The language style is relaxed and humorous, making it stress free to read
Great writing skills!It is not only easy to read but also makes the content more rich and interesting.
Honest and encouraging advice—great reminder that rejection isn’t the end, just a redirection. Sometimes stepping back or editing deeply can make all the difference!