Rejected! Yay!
Posted: July 1, 2009 Filed under: The book | Tags: brownies, La Belette Rouge, literary agents, non-fiction, rejection, writing 9 CommentsYesterday I received my second rejection for my book, a humorous non-fiction story of getting married at an older age. The agent called me personally from New York to tell me that he didn’t want to represent me. Which, hey – the agent called me personally! How special am I!!! (And don’t be thinking he’s some schlump with a cell phone working out of Starbucks. He’s a real, legitimate agent with authors who have actual books on Amazon and everything.)
I’m not exactly sure why he called me personally to give me such disappointing news. He did say he really liked my idea and thought it was very well written, if totally lacking in any importance or profundity or anything at all that would ever make anyone ever want to read it. But other than that, he liked it! I’m pretty sure he realized it’s supposed to be funny, although I think I heard the word “fluffy” being uttered. However, my mind might have momentarily strayed to my hair which is reacting badly to the humidity at present, so I can’t really be sure.
Anyway, I’m over it now. Sure, I was slightly taken aback and called my friend Belette and sobbed on the phone for twenty minutes, but honest, I just had something in my eye. She reminded me that he was merely one person with one opinion, and told me I was pretty and that brownies help. (She was so right.) (About the brownies.)
So, today I feel good. I have decided that you have to be in it to win it, and nothing ventured nothing gained. Also, better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. In addition, winners never quit and quitters never win. (HA! And the agent told me my writing is not profound?)
I am preparing to send the proposal out again, to another agent. And then another. And, most likely, many more after that. Because this agent wasn’t right or wrong – he just passed. It wasn’t for him. Nothing to be done, nothing to see here, move along please. I like what I’ve written, and until every single agent tells me no, I want to keep believing that I have something to say and that people will be entertained by it. And maybe even a little bit moved by it. If every agent says no, I’ll go back to the beginning and start again. Because, really, what else do I have to do with my time? It’s just me, the computer, and a box of brownies.
Doll Cannot Fly 
I am so happy that doodyhead hasn’t stopped you as your book is brilliant and is deserving of a bigger and smarter agent. I am delighted that the brownie cure was helpful. I think there is magic in that box of Duncan Heinz. Huge hugs to lovely you!!!!!
p.s. Please get Carolyn See’s book and read and reread the bit about when she was rejected by the Atlantic Monthly—and then eat another brownie.
p.s.s. He called you personally because he thinks enough of you and your writing to give you feedback. He could have sent a form email and he didn’t.
I will be your agent…wait, you probably don’t want a stay at home mom of four, right? I was an literary assistant once, does that count? No instead, better to shoot for the moon…or is the stars. I’m totally buying that book on Amazon one day. Way big that he called. Way.
There are so many stories in publishing land about authors who were rejected multiple times before going on to making lots of dosh and publishing lots of books – eg. JK Rowling – don’t give up!
Brooke – Hi! You are so sweet. Thanks for taking the time out of your hectic day to pop over here. Did #4 arrive yet? You are a superwoman! I heard that you guys bought a house? How fantastic. I hope all is going well!
Imogen – thanks. JK Rowling was also unemployed when she wrote Harry Potter. We are like twins! 😉
Oh, just read this, and as a fellow writer, I have to second the suggestion about the Carolyn See book. It is the most motivating, inspiring, reassuring-that-you-can-do-it book out there.
You’re probably already doing this- but could you send out excerpts from your book as articles? Build your platform that way?
Not profound? Right. Because finding love at this point in life is no big deal. Sigh.
Sinead – I really must get the Caroline See book. I didn’t know you were a writer! What do you write?
Absolutely compelling scholarship student write-ups for fundraising at a local community college. I can’t believe that the first time I see my words in print, it’s in an alum newsletter. Of a community college.
But… I haven’t given up on the book dream. I wrote two novels, first one I consider practice and the second one I need to revise and send to agents. More agents- I stopped at about 15, which is way, way too early to stop, don’t do that. I’ve lost a lot of steam on it-two teens keep me on the emotional roller coaster. But excuses, excuses- I’m always happier when I’m writing.
I’ve also done PR work for a book by a non-profit group, and I loved doing that. Fun and creative. I think nowadays, it’s good to do the marketing before the book is sold.
I want to read your book, so I know there’s a market for it- agents just have to see the proof. I’d love to see you get an article in a lit journal, magazine or even newspaper, and have the agents come to you!
Okay- I have to say one more thing and then I’ll shut up. If you got a phone call by your second agent query, I have no doubt your book will be published. They call when it’s good, when it’s almost right for them, when they like it. So, well done. I hope you currently have at least 25 queries out there.