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Go Back   Absolute Write Water Cooler > Break Room > Rejection and Dejection
Reload this Page How is THIS for a downer?
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:28 AM   #1
David McAfee
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How is THIS for a downer?
One of my books has been rejected, nicely, several times. 85% are personal rejections with reasons varying from too controversial to not crazy about the time period. For the story itself, the personal rejections are chock-full of superlatives like "excellent writing," "Original, engaging plot," and "unique story."

Today I got a rejection from a publisher whose earlier correspondences said they loved it (their word, not mine...they loved it). The reason for the R? Seriously, here it is:

I am not an established author, so there would be no guaranteed sales.

Everything else is good, but since I've never sold a novel, I won't be selling this one, either. At least not to them.

How is THAT for a let down.

Gonna go soak my bruised ego in the tub for a few hours, now.
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:32 AM   #2
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JennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsJennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsJennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsJennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsJennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsJennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsJennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsJennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsJennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsJennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsJennaGlatzer is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
I foresee great things for you in the near future, David. It sounds like what you have is a very good novel. Now it's just a matter of finding the right home for it. It'll happen.
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:35 AM   #3
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Cassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsCassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsCassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsCassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsCassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsCassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsCassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsCassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsCassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsCassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsCassiopeia is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Jenna said it well. It's only a matter of time. Now onto the next submission. Come on, get up.

You know you can do it. Shake it off.
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:36 AM   #4
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Innnnnnnteresting. :S

You've gotta start somewhere though right? And I'm sure you're not the only other author out there (and on here) who is looking to get published for the first time...

Maybe it's the agents/editors you're pitching too...??? I don't know. That's odd.
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:36 AM   #5
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Why did they bother reading it then? Or did they?


Maybe in a better economy....


Ja, keep trying!
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:37 AM   #6
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Sorry to hear the news, David. Perhaps it's an indication of the financial times and this particular publisher's lack of desire in taking chances. Maybe they are only willing, at the time, to go with those who have already made them money in the past. At any rate, it's sad news for you to get after such promising communication. I wish you the best of luck.
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:37 AM   #7
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Red.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsRed.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsRed.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsRed.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsRed.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsRed.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsRed.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsRed.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsRed.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsRed.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsRed.Ink.Rain is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Don't get discouraged! Someone will take a change on you as a new author and make a tone of money, and that agent will be kicking himself.
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Old 01-16-2009, 05:11 AM   #8
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Wow. I bet someone said that to JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer too...
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Old 01-16-2009, 05:15 AM   #9
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oww. so close. definitely do NOT give up!

/bootay shake!!
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Old 01-16-2009, 05:17 AM   #10
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Old 01-16-2009, 05:20 AM   #11
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Ouch, that IS bruising! What a catch-22.

But the rejection has more to do with the economy than your writing skills. Publishers are scrambling for a guarenteed blockbuster so they can stay solvent.

So, take a break, get some quality sleep, celebrate that you've come this far--and then go at it again!
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Old 01-16-2009, 08:36 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David McAfee View Post
One of my books has been rejected, nicely, several times. 85% are personal rejections with reasons varying from too controversial to not crazy about the time period. For the story itself, the personal rejections are chock-full of superlatives like "excellent writing," "Original, engaging plot," and "unique story."

Today I got a rejection from a publisher whose earlier correspondences said they loved it (their word, not mine...they loved it). The reason for the R? Seriously, here it is:

I am not an established author, so there would be no guaranteed sales.

Everything else is good, but since I've never sold a novel, I won't be selling this one, either. At least not to them..

David, this sounds like a "it's not you, it's me" rejection. Take heart. There was no "I just didn't get into it" or "the plot is confusing" in there. You'll find the right home for your baby. Keep submitting!
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