Picked up a random poetry book From the crowded shelf. Quick easy hour read: Delight and wonder. Then, Found…
Facing Rejection Again
Today I received my seventh rejection email for my novel. I know rejection is part of the publishing game, but in this case, I am left surprised because I had submitted it to a local Indie bookseller thinking they would definitely want it. This store has an eclectic mix of genres and authors. Plus, they are supportive of local authors. I love their store and all that they do for the community with book readings and special sales. The store reminds me of Meg Ryan’s character in the movie, You’ve Got Mail, in which she owns a cute little bookstore that is faced with foreclosure. All of the store employees are always eager to suggest a good book or to lend a hand when you are looking for a specific title. I feel so at peace when I am walking around staring at different titles, different covers, and imagining the worlds lying within each one.
I still appreciate that this store considered my novel at all.
Now in retrospect, I am determined to find the right buyer for my book. Yes anyone can buy Married to an Atheist: A Love Story from Idaho on amazon (hint hint). There is just a part deep inside of me that longs to see my book in a bookstore available for all shoppers in person. I know I am not the only author with this dream.
My dear husband told me, “Well, you tried! that takes courage and a big emotional commitment on your part.“ Then he sent me an endearing article about rejection.
Author Beth Miller, in her article, “Rejection Sucks… But No-One Got Published Without It,” explains that no author can expect to get published without first facing a multitude of rejection: “You’re going to ask why rejection is essential, but I can’t tell you that. All I know is, it seems to be universally unavoidable. So we might as well just cheerfully embrace it. “
Okay so my book is not the right fit for a local bookstore, nor is it right for this and that publisher. I can spend money to get it self-published through a company that will market it for me, but that is not right. I shouldn’t have to spend a lot of moo-la just to make some in return. I can market myself (maybe). Amazon has been a decent platform for sales.
My primary focus is not on sales (although that would be nice). Instead, I want to just get my story out there to readers who might have some connection with it, or might find some value in it. A dear friend at church recently told me her husband had never been interested in going to church with her in their twenty-year marriage. One day she had been sharing with him about some information I shared in the book. The next Sunday he went to church with her. That is the kind of story I want to know about because that is what God made me feel was most important in my writing. Not to necessarily convert non-believers, but just to open discussions and possibilities for people willing to try something beyond their usual routines, especially in their relationships.
My husband still rarely goes to church with me. However, since writing the book, we have definitely strengthened our communication skills for the better. Every couple deserves to know different ways of building their relationship up instead of down.
At the end of the day, I am grateful for possibilities near or far.
What are your thoughts on rejection? What keeps you determined to keep trying? Leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you!
Reference:
Miller, Beth. “Rejection Sucks… But No-One Got Published Without It.” Writers & Media The Insiders Guide to the Media, 2020. https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/writers/advice/1204/a-writers-toolkit/essential-information/.
Rejection feels terrible. But Tom is right, you tried. It feels awful to keep putting yourself out there but sweetheart I know you are not a quitter. How many years did Moses lead the people through the desert. I’m sure he felt many things such as frustration & rejection, but he kept his faith and eventually that paid off…as will your faith and persistence in following your dream of your book being published. God didn’t let Moses down and he won’t let you down either. He wants your story told. It is after all an amazing testimony. I love you sweetheart. Put a smile back on your beautiful face and keep trying. ❤️
Thank you for your wise words! 🙂