When a publisher rejects your novel you can do several things: pout, blame the publisher’s lack of taste, give up writing, rewrite your novel for the fifth time, toss your novel in the recycle bin——or don’t do anything until you ponder the situation for a few days.
Here’s what I did. I queried a publisher regarding one of my mystery novels. The editor requested my full manuscript. Whoa! Was I happy or what? I e-mailed my novel in less than fifteen minutes.
A month later, I received a polite but painful rejection. My immediate reaction, after stomping my feet and directing a few invectives towards the publisher, was to give up writing. Why waste my time? Mystery writing must not be my forté. Sniff!
The next morning, I found the wound less agonizing, so I wiped away my crocodile tears and formulated a plan to handle future rejections.
Here it is: Each time I’m brought to my knees by a rejection, I’ll send out at least three new queries within a week. This means I’ll have to get busy right away researching other agents and publishers. No time for useless self-pity. In addition, I’ll accelerate work on my next novel. Finally, I’ll try to be more philosophical about rejections. After all, rejection is just one of those little paper cuts of life. At first it hurts like Hades, but the pain subsides quickly, then you “just pick yourself up, brush yourself off and start all over again.”
Gotta go now. A publisher rejected my novel, and I gotta get busy.
Other tips for publishing your novel:
How to Write a Query Letter for a Mystery Novel
Global Mysteries 
Good as usually. Waiting for the e-book. 🙂
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By: deepercolors on December 12, 2010
at 3:07 pm
I’m getting closer to considering an e-book. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
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By: nancycurteman on December 12, 2010
at 7:51 pm
[…] When a publisher rejects your novel you can do several things: pout, blame the publisher’s lack of taste, give up writing, rewrite your novel for the fifth time, toss your novel in the recycle bin——or don’t do anything until you ponder the situation for a few days. Here’s what I did. I queried a publisher regarding one of my mystery novels. The editor requested my full manuscript. Whoa! Was I happy or what? I e-mailed my novel in less than fiftee … Read More […]
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By: What to do When a Publisher Rejects Your Novel (via Global Mysteries) « Life as a Writer and Artist on December 12, 2010
at 3:09 pm
You will find the right publisher… I’m convinced of it.
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By: Richard W Scott on December 12, 2010
at 3:22 pm
Your encouragement means a lot. Thanks good friend.
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By: nancycurteman on December 12, 2010
at 7:52 pm
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by NightsEmbrace, Nancy Curteman. Nancy Curteman said: What to do When a Publisher Rejects Your Novel: http://wp.me/pNbRC-gd […]
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By: Tweets that mention What to do When a Publisher Rejects Your Novel « Global Mysteries -- Topsy.com on December 12, 2010
at 6:26 pm
Excellent idea, NC. Keep moving in the direction of your dreams.
How EXCITING that they asked to see your FULL MANUSCRIPT and then looked at it so QUICKLY! That’s definitely a sign that you’re doing something right.
Write on!
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By: nrhatch on December 12, 2010
at 7:03 pm
I love your “every cloud has a silver lining” attitude.
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By: nancycurteman on December 12, 2010
at 7:56 pm
I agree with Nancy H – you are on the right track! Keep up your efforts, they will pay off.
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By: tsuchigari on December 12, 2010
at 7:49 pm
Send positive vibrations. Thanks. 🙂
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at 7:57 pm
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