Comments on: 6 Things Not to Do When Your Story Is Rejected

By: Susie Hortman

Susie Hortman — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:06:03 +0000

I am certainly encouraged by everyone’s experience and Jamie’s wonderful advice. I just sent my first manuscript to the publisher. It is called, “Abilene’s Child/Tormented Hope”. Before a publisher had even opened the file, he told me that he received no bites. Now, all I wanted to know from him, was how can you pitch without a ball. I am learning. My entire five books will evolve around rejection and abuse, so maybe I should jump on the phone, (I will move my coffee first) and contact my therapist for a meeting. I try not to listen to all the talk that says, “I spent 10 years trying to publish my story”. I have spent 39 years coming to a place where I could piece all of my painful and sordid incidences of abuse, into one picture. I have done that and it feels wonderful. The second book, “Abilene’s Child/A Desire For Justice” is just spilling out. I am not suprised as I have presented my story publicly through speaking engagments and that really helped me to organize and get it together. I appreciate all the help and I thank you for all the honesty. I will remember, they are not rejecting me, they are rejecting my story. I guess I better get on the phone, because it is a something I need to learn to distinguish. Thank God for outside aid and support. csuh2windstream.net

By: Mehmudah

Mehmudah — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:56:39 +0000

thanks, yeah... it so happens the courteous note actually got me published a coupla times.. but with the eds you ca never be sure. Mehmudah's last blog post..Problem-Os

By: Jamie Grove

Jamie Grove — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:40:16 +0000

Shukran, Mehmudah, and welcome!

I also hate the cold shoulder when it happens. It’s hard to know what to do. My advice is that if you are well beyond the date of an expected reply that you send a courteous note to see if they did indeed receive your manuscript.

Make sure you don’t push it too early though. Look to the writer’s guidelines before querying.

By: Mehmudah

Mehmudah — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:33:18 +0000

Brilliant post!

I can totally relate! but what i hate most is when the editors just never respond. Plain ignoring, so you, the door-mat contentedly assume they don’t want you. And mope around. I’ve had a fair share of that!

Mehmudah’s last blog post..Problem-Os

By: teensygreen » Blog Archive » Wednesday Twitter Links!

teensygreen » Blog Archive » Wednesday Twitter Links! — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:41:52 +0000

[...] wonderful to read about someone else’s writing process, book reviews, and of course What Not to Do When Your Story is Rejected. Follow How Not to Write on Twitter. Read More [...]

By: Karen Putz

Karen Putz — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:43:16 +0000

Congrats on the paid one– that feels good, doesn’t it? The first time I received a check for my writing, I went out for steak! Here’s to many more!

Karen Putz’s last blog post..Deaf American Gladiator Competitor Wins!

By: Jamie Grove

Jamie Grove — Sat, 24 May 2008 01:24:46 +0000

@Laura No doubt. I violated number 5 again today. I even knew I was doing it. Some old habits die hard.

@Lindsey Thanks for stopping in! Glad my list could help. By the way, I just visited your site. Such a great start at MindScribing!

By: Lindsey

Lindsey — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:37:13 +0000

This is a great list. As someone who has recently started to accumulate rejections, I can definitely apply this stuff!

By: Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:04:36 +0000

Great list!

I’m sure every writer has violated at least one of these principles at some time in their career.

By: Jamie Grove

Jamie Grove — Thu, 22 May 2008 22:15:36 +0000

@Meryl Steve is hilarious! Thanks for sharing that link. The rejection letter there reminds me of some of the producer monologues from Barton Fink. (love that movie)

Anyone else have some appropriately anonymized rejection letters?

@Karen Thanks!!! I’ll send you the story by email tonight. Anyone else want a peek? The offer still stands.

By the way, you not only have the right attitude but the perfect metaphor. Writing, all writing, is about selling.

In fiction, you’re selling characters and plots to readers. Yet, there is another level. There’s also the role of helping an editor sell the next issue of their magazine… Before submitting, how many writers ask themselves, “Will this story help my editor sell the next issue of their magazine and/or a subscription?”