Thick skin reminder
I responded to a request for a read from Scott. Waited eleven weeks. Sent a polite note asking for an update. Ah, a new agency is afoot comes the eventual reply. I say, I understand, take whatever time you need. Waited another nine weeks. Contacted to check and also mention alternate idea. Shortly thereafter received one sentence rejection of said idea . . . or was it rejection of book and new idea? Couldn't tell. Sent quick note back, does this mean the original submission, also? The reply . . .no reply. Meaning, "you'll figure it out in a few days. I am too important to toss a one-sentence rejection your way after holding onto your manuscript for five months." Or something like that. I have been in publishing 20 years, in offices, I am positive, more busy than their tiny office. I find it unfortunate that this is the level of professionalism one has to deal with in this business. Of course, their "job is to take author's careers to the next level." Hopefully, that level isn't downward.
But don't be discouraged, fellow scribes, this is just a crappy industry you dare chose to meddle in. If you do not have thick skin, you don't stand a chance. It's a numbers game, like sales. Rejection isn't personal, it isn't anything but a challenge. There is always tomorrow. For reasons beyond all of our control, this industry (it's not a "literary world") is overwhelmed and nuts. Treat your manuscript like a product and make that sale. Assuming it is as good as any of the other silly books that are getting published, it will too, in time. If it's not as good, then you'll have to figure that out eventually. And you will.