Write and write often — no matter what anybody says

• Posted in On Writing

Met with my monthly critique group last night. And was saddened to know that one member wouldn’t be joining us. She recently received a critique/rejection from an agent, and she was pretty much crushed by it. She said she doesn’t feel that she can critique other people’s work when her own wasn’t up to this agent’s standards.

I tried to change her mind, of course. To tell her that everyone’s opinion matters and that she does us all a great service with her critiquing.

But she didn’t change her mind and come.

And I started to wonder — why do we let agents and editors determine so much of our self-worth as writers? Sure, I know everybody wants to sell and see their pride and joy in a bookstore. I’m no different. I’m practically counting down the days until Karma Girl is out (it’s something like 230, not that I’m obsessing or anything). Everybody wants to be the next Nora Roberts. Everybody wants to hit the bigtime.

But I got over 200 hundred rejections for three different books before I got my fabulous agent (Hi, Kelly!) and my terrific editor (Hi, Cindy!). Some of those rejections were nice. Some were impersonal. And some were just mean.

I think the worst one I got said something like this: I love your voice and premise. But as I’m sure you’ve already placed this, I’m going to have to pass.

Um, no, I hadn’t placed it. That’s why I wasted my 39 cents, paper, ink, envelope, etc. and mailed it to you. Geez.

I tried to tell my critique buddy some of my horror stories and to encourage her to submit to other people. That one person’s opinion isn’t going to make (or in this case) break her. But I haven’t changed her mind. Yet.

So, I think we should all remember this — writing a book, no matter how good or bad it is, is an amazing accomplishment. It’s something that everybody says they’re going to do, but only like 1 percent of the population ever does. So, be proud of yourself, even if all your book ever does is collect dust bunnies under your bed. I’ve got a few manuscripts down there with you, too. 🙂

What about you? Do you live and die by what agents and editors say? Or do you feel a sense of accomplishment no matter what? Inquiring minds want to know …

3 Responses to “Write and write often — no matter what anybody says”

  1. Natasha says:

    “I love your voice and premise. But as I’m sure you’ve already placed this, I’m going to have to pass.”

    Wow. I heard agents complain about writers writing back about notes on rejection letters, but sheesh! I woulda stared at that for days, thinking, “what the hell?” What a weird rejection!

    I’m just a small-time published writer, so I’ve never submitted to an agent. I’m always worried that my editors won’t like my stuff.

  2. Jennifer Estep says:

    Hi, Natasha. That was only one of dozens of weird rejections in my files. There are some real doozies in there, including a couple that made me wonder if the agent even bothered to read what I sent him/her.

    I also got one from a publishing company that said although they loved my book, they were passing because the heroine was a newspaper reporter and they hadn’t had much luck selling “those kind” of books in the past. Sheesh.

    But don’t let my horror stories scare you off. 🙂 I would encourage you to start submitting to agents/editors, especially if you want to make a career out of your writing. You’ll get a lot of rejections, but when that one agent or editor says yes, it’s the best feeling in the world.

  3. spyscribbler says:

    LOLOL … thanks for the encouragement. I’m always stuck between sticking with my current, small-time publisher (and getting a check in the mail a week after I submit) and taking a chance on a novel that may never be bought at all!

    I will, though, don’t worry. I’m going to write it as soon as I pay off my latest foot injury, LOL.

Back to Top