How to Use Rejection Letters Constructively

Writing the words "The End" on your book length manuscript when your goal is getting your manuscript published by a publishing house isn't the end but rather the beginning of what can be a long process of rejections. This is especially true if the manuscript represents your first submission. Receiving rejections week after week, month after month can be disheartening if you don't have a game plan for using rejections constructively.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. First thing you need to recognize is that everyone gets rejected in the publishing world. Many agents and publishers may not have the vision to see your work through. When you've written something from the heart and it gets rejected, it could be a reflection on the publisher' s short-sightedness than on your writing abilities. You may have the next craze in a particular genre the publisher just doesn't have the vision to see what's truly great stuff.

2. More often however usually the editors have legitimate reasons for rejecting the manuscript. Like too many typos or too many run on sentences or obscure oversized words that's only function was to increase word count. With every rejection, rewrite a portion of your manuscript, especially in the first two-three pages. See if you can't improve what you've written before you resubmit your work.

3. Keep all your rejection information. I have this dream (which I will follow when it comes true) that when my book is published, I'm going to send every agent and publisher who rejected my book an email letter them know that the book was published. When the book reaches the New York Times Best Sellers list, I'm sending them a registered letter telling them of the wonderful news and too bad that they couldn't share in the glory. this devious little thought gives me satisfaction every time I receive even a form rejection notice.

4. Once in a while rejection letters are not just form letters but they actually are written by real people who have really read your work and offer sound advice. I say pay attention to these kinds of letters because they represent near misses. I never ignore this type of letter. I review the recommendations and take appropriate action.

5. After having received constructive criticism from a publisher or an agent, I always send them a thank-you message. This can do two things, both of which are positive. 1) You are sending them a thank-you for a rejection. You're not complaining because they rejected your manuscript. They will remember you the next time one of your manuscripts cross their desk. 2) They may offer even more valuable advice. This happened to me just this past week I sent a thank-you for a rejection and the publisher sent me more good advice for improving my manuscript.

6. The only way your manuscript will very get published is by continually subjecting your copy to potential rejection, accepting that rejection and continually polishing of your manuscript until one day you're told by some publisher that they like your work and want to publish your manuscript. On that day you will consider suffering through all those rejections worth the wait.

[wesellforu]

on 12/1/2009 This is a very inspirational article. Thanks, and good luck on getting published soon you deserve it for all your hard work! 5* and recommend.

[ourlastchance]

on 11/30/2009 Very useful tips for using a rejection letter constructively. This is very important or you will never achieve your full potential! 5* and recommend

[MyJB]

on 11/12/2009 I don't know who said it, but it wasn't me "If you're not getting lots rejections, you're not submitting your work often enough. 5

[rkremer]

on 11/8/2009 Wow, this would be like going on constant job interviews. This is a great article for others in this situation so they know they are not alone.

[mamalittlehands]

on 11/5/2009 What a great attitude!