I have now joined the list of authors with many rejections. Sigh!
In November I sent my manuscript to two USA publishers, Sourcebooks and Tule, both who have imprints aimed at books set in Texas. And, on an off-chance, I also approached an agent at The Knight Agency in NYC.
The agency got back to me first, almost within a week. My material ‘isn’t the right fit’ for their list. I wasn’t surprised, and that rejection didn’t bother me in the least.
Sourcebooks replied in December. It was a nice rejection email (yes, rejections can be nice) but it was clear from the reasons they gave that no one read the full manuscript (or even a portion of it). Although I was disappointed, I consoled myself knowing it wasn’t my writing, per se, they were rejecting, but the concept of the series as a whole.
Apparently, I am missing a hook.
My Texas Solace series revolve around the Walker family. I would’ve thought the family was the hook. I love reading books about siblings and the drama of a large family. Once you’ve come to know one sibling, you automatically want to learn about the others, ergo, the hook.
But what do I know … I’m just a newbie author, making many mistakes as I meander along my journey.
Tule also sent me a rejection email. In January. They took their time but they kept me up to date with their progress, and most importantly, they read the manuscript. I appreciate that more than anything as it shows respect for my hard work. Not only did one person read it, a team read it.
Plus, they gave me the most encouraging rejection a new author could ever get.
“There were many winning aspects to Murmur of Love, including your descriptive prose — we loved how you consistently hit the right notes to keep the narrative moving. The team also really appreciated Cecilia’s strong voice.”
Upon further communication with Tule, I received the editorial team’s individual feedback and that gave me a huge insight as to where I need to tighten up my work.
So, thank you, Tule, and especially Jenny Silver, for your feedback. Even if it was a nay, the result was positive and motivating.
Nora Roberts was repeatedly rejected at the start of her career. Years of rejection just made J. K Rowling more determined to succeed.
These successful woman made it to the top, so there is hope for me.
Next step… figuring the maze of self-publishing.