CHAPTER 13

Coping with Acceptance or Rejection

So you've followed the submission guidelines, sent your packet off, and waited patiently for what seems like forever. Finally, the fateful day arrives when you go to your mailbox and see the self-addressed stamped envelope you so long ago sent with your manuscript. Inside lies the answer. Will you be published? If not, are you prepared for rejection? Have you made sure that trusted readers have praised your work, and given you confidence, or is your self-esteem riding on this one editor's response?

Exploring the Unknown

Most likely it is not an acceptance letter. Editors or agents usually call or e-mail with good news. But the letter may not be all bad news either. Acceptance and rejection aren't always plain and final. The publisher may see merit in your story and style, but feel that some aspects don't meet their specific publishing goals. You may discover your returned manuscript has been marked up for possible revision.

You could find that an editor has sent you a lengthy letter. The editor first compliments you on your work. Part of an editor's expertise is the ability to see promise despite problems. She may be interested in the book, but asks that you make several revisions before she can offer you a contract.

Good News or Bad News?

An editorial comment letter is good news and bad news. Yes, it means you have much more work ahead of you. But this time, there is encouragement from someone with the power to publish you. That editor wouldn't waste precious time making suggestions if she didn't want to add your book to the list.

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Many writers don't know that an editor doesn't always have the authority to buy a book. Often, an editor must pitch the book to a publication board before she can offer a contract. While editors were once able to buy whatever books they chose, these days everyone wants a piece of the action: production team, art director, sales and marketing, and publicity. Sometimes the marketing department has as much clout as the editor.

You are having mixed emotions about the letter. The editor doesn't guarantee a contract, so why bother reading through the next nine pages and making the suggested revisions? You have already worked so hard on your manuscript, and yet the editor is telling you it still isn't good enough. The editor said “before I can offer you a contract” so that means she is going to offer you a contract, right? Not necessarily. Until you have signed the contract, your book has not been sold.

Too Many Revisions?

If an editor has to get approval before buying a book, she needs to present the very best material possible to her editorial board. Her belief that your manuscript can rise to the appropriate standard is the reason for your entry into the gray area. But be careful how long you remain there. Sometimes you will make the revisions according to the editorial letter, believing your book will be bought, only to receive another letter telling you to make even more revisions. This can be a very stressful experience. At some point you may need to consider whether the changes are improving the book or even moving it closer to contract.

If you are put through three or four rounds of revisions without a contract being offered, you may want to consider whether you should pull the book and try your luck elsewhere. The type of revisions requested should weigh heavily in your decision. They should be specific enough that you can use your creativity to solve the problems; you should not be pulling your hair as you try to decide merely what the editor means. Don't forget, you are always free to ask questions.

Rolling with the Punches

If you receive your manuscript with a plain rejection letter, remember that the work may better fit another publisher's or editor's preferences; don't treat a rejection letter as a completely objective judgment on you as a writer, or on your story, or on your other work, and whatever you do, keep writing. Some of the world's best writers received a series of rejection letters before finally finding a publisher willing to take a chance on them. Also keep in mind that an editor, reading your work for the first time, is in a very different position than a teacher, mentor, or writing peer. Your mentors are concerned with how to encourage you, improve your work, and help you make it publishable. After the publisher has signed you, your editor will have similar goals. But when he sees your work for the first time, his concerns will probably be whether the manuscript fits his company's goals, and whether he feels a special connection to it.

Time spent feeling sorry for yourself and temporarily giving up is time you could better spend improving your manuscript or researching another publisher to send it to. If you have developed good work habits, along with a time and place to go write each day, this will help you move past the momentary emotional setback of a rejection letter. It's not easy, but what is? The rewards of hard work and developing your own creativity are hard to beat — beyond paying the necessary bills, they are actually better than anything money can buy.

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Always remind yourself that publishing is business. Even the best-written manuscript may not find a place in the current market. Successful authors often report that not every manuscript they wrote was accepted for publication. It can't be helped, so continue to do your best work: compose, revise carefully, and send it out.

Don't be too proud to take your story to your writing group, a trusted friend, or (for a fee) an editor or teacher and ask, “Should I keep working on this project, or move on to another?” Of course the person you ask could be wrong. But if all opinions point the same way, that can be helpful information.

Taking Rejection Personally

The last thing you want to do is consider a rejection letter a personal insult. There could be twenty reasons why an editor has turned down your work — and none of them may have a thing to do with your writing skills. If you are lucky, you may get a detailed rejection letter explaining why your book does not meet the needs of the company, but quite often you will just receive a form letter that says your manuscript is not suitable for its list.

Stop yourself if you are considering contacting the editor and demanding a good reason for the rejection of your manuscript. This will only serve to give you a reputation as being difficult to work with, not to mention alienating that particular editor. Business is business, and if an editor does not believe he can sell your book, then you'll just have to get over it and move on. But if you receive a tiny bit of encouragement in your letter, a note that says “We enjoyed this but …” or the statement “We hope you will send us something in the future,” that is actually great news. Take such notes seriously, work hard, and in six months' time send the editor something new, being sure to mention their encouragement in your cover letter.

Using Rejection as Motivation

Some writers find that they simply can't separate emotion from rejection; therefore, they channel that emotion into a motivation tool. Don't laugh — it works. Let's say you receive a couple of rejection letters for a manuscript you know is good. You could use those rejections as excuses to give up, which will get you absolutely nowhere, or you could use the rejections to encourage you to improve upon your story and prove those editors wrong. Determination to make such a statement has helped many writers on difficult days.

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Sometimes an editor will decline a particular manuscript, but like your writing ability and ask you to send in something else. You've got your foot in the door, now get the publisher's catalogue and study it. Try to figure out why your story didn't fit, and why the next one will have a better chance.

Some writers have been known to wallpaper their writing area with rejection letters. That has worked for some people, but it could keep you in a resentful mood during your precious work time. Perhaps a better frame of mind for creative work would flow from a photo or two that bring good memories. You could tack up a clipping of a story that inspires you, or a large sheet of paper with your project's outline.

Degrees of Rejection

A form letter is the most common type of rejection. Publishing companies typically have a standard letter that will say something along the lines of “Thank you for your submission, but your book does not meet our needs.” The letter is likely to be addressed to “Dear Author” rather than to you by name. It may not even be signed by a specific editor, instead showing just “Editorial Department” or “Submissions Coordinator” at the bottom.

The only thing you can be sure of is that if you receive one of these letters, your manuscript is not going to be published by that company. The best advice is just to move on.

Personalized Comments

A less painful rejection comes when a standard form letter is marked with additional comments specific to your book. While it doesn't seem like much, a letter like this is worth its weight in gold. This means that an editor was interested enough in your manuscript to take the time, even if it is the smallest amount, to write a letter to you.

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Even if an editor shows some level of interest in your manuscript, such as sending you a personalized letter, do not make changes and resubmit your manuscript unless you are asked to do so. If an editor takes time out of his busy schedule to give you advice, don't repay the kindness by harassing him with your revised manuscript.

This is special treatment. Think about how easy it would be for an editor to stuff your return envelope with a form letter, or even have someone else do it. Instead, the editor knows she isn't buying your book, but wants to give you a little advice anyway. Read her words carefully. Are the comments something you can use to improve your manuscript before sending it off to another publisher? Pay attention to this type of rejection letter and use it well!

Edited Manuscript

The most encouraging rejection includes a standard letter as well as an edited manuscript. This rarely occurs, but some editors have been known to be so passionate about literature that sometimes they just can't help themselves. If you are one of the lucky few to get such a treat, you absolutely must consider what the editor has done with your manuscript.

Toss aside the feeling of rejection and take notice of the detailed attention your manuscript has received. If you do happen to receive this type of rejection, know what you are holding in your hands.

Too Many Form Letters

There comes a time in nearly every writer's life when he must set aside a project and start afresh. Receiving several impersonal form letters just may be the signal that such a time has come. It is a very difficult decision to make, and one that will probably cause a bit of emotional pain.

Don't think of this as a failure. Instead, think of it as a learning experience. Be proud of yourself for completing a project and taking a chance on its publication. This is a hard step for many writers to take. You have succeeded in facing your fear, and now you are free to start a new project. The more you write, the better you will become.

Revision Required

If you have rejection letters that include specific reasons for the rejection, or advice on how to improve your manuscript, take the time to carefully consider each of these. Are you finding any responses that are similar? Is there a certain comment made about your manuscript across the board? If so, you are in luck. While you may not feel lucky while reading these letters, the comments can help you improve upon the manuscript and give it a better shot at being published.

First, address an issue that is brought up in several different letters. For example, let's say five out of seven rejection letters made a comment referring to the development of your main character. One said that the character is too flat, another said that the character showed no growth or development throughout the story, one said that the character had no flaws, and two simply said that the main character needed work. So what are you going to do with these comments? Well, let's hope you decide to work on your main character before submitting the manuscript anywhere else.

If there is no common issue brought up in the letters, then just take each one at a time and go through the comments. Could any of the comments be used to improve upon your story? If you receive several letters offering advice, it probably means that your story has potential but it's not quite there. Take some time off from the submission process and return to the revision process for a while. Remember that the majority of your reviewers could be wrong; there might be a single letter that rings true, and that speaks to the heart of what your story needs. Pay attention to your writerly intuitions, and to those of the people you consider your most discerning readers.

When Rejections Begin Piling Up

As a first-time writer, you will likely receive several rejection letters, whether form letters or lengthy letters with helpful comments. And while you may come to expect this, you probably can't help wondering if the pile of rejection letters is trying to tell you something. Maybe you aren't cut out for children's writing. Should you really keep trying? Is all the hard work that goes into writing, researching, revising, and submitting just a waste of your time? Before you start second-guessing yourself, think about why you began writing in the first place.

If you truly love writing for children, the pile of rejection letters isn't going to hit quite as hard. On the other hand, if you had dreams of fame and fortune, it is likely you are reconsidering the path you are on. Hopefully, your reasons for writing are true to the craft and will help you get through the hard times.

Oh Happy Day!

We've dealt plenty enough with rejections, let's now move on to the good news — acceptance. That day will come when you hear the phone ring, debate whether or not you should answer it, cringe while picking up the receiver because you are sure it's either a salesperson or a pollster, and then hear that sweet voice saying your story has been accepted. Your family rushes to your side as you hit the floor in a faint. You haven't won the lottery, but you've sold your first book!

The Initial Reaction

Yes, the excitement is churning in your stomach. Yes, you feel like you could scream until there's nothing left of your voice. But the editor is still on the phone waiting for your response. Don't worry; editors have come to expect outbursts of excitement, so it's okay. But do try to remain as calm as possible, at least until you get off the phone.

You should listen carefully to what the editor says next. He will probably explain a little about the process and what you can expect in the following days, weeks, and months. If you have the presence of mind to comprehend what he's saying, great. If not, take notes and worry about them later. You will want to know when you can expect a confirmation letter. If the editor doesn't mention this, you should.

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Don't let your excitement cause you to forget all your responsibilities. Remember those multiple submissions you sent out? As soon as your contract is signed, you need to withdraw your manuscript from the other publishers. If they choose your book only to find it's not available, they might not talk to you about the next one.

After you have conducted yourself as professionally as possible, immediately call all friends and family members to relay the awesome news. Plan a celebration or just let them come to you. You can either start celebrating that very second or wait a little bit until you have the other formalities out of the way. Some writers can't rest easy until they have signed the contract. Of course, the choice is yours, but know that you will probably have to wait a little while until you receive a copy of the contract, so if you're in a partying mood, by all means get down to it.

It's a Celebration!

It has taken a lot of hard work, heartache, and sacrifice, but you made it. You are about to have your book sitting alongside those of all the other authors in the library. Before you get back to work, take some time to revel in your accomplishment. Jump up and down if you want to. Go in the backyard and scream, or call all your friends over and have a party. When your book comes out, you are going to touch the lives of both children and adults. Your words are going to have an impact on all who read them. You have told your story, and it will be in tangible form for children to hold, parents to read at bedtime, and you to put on display.

While there are no rules regarding the type of celebration, there are rules to be followed during the celebration:

That about covers it. Relax and have some fun.

What Comes Next?

After the celebration has died down and the guests have all gone home, you may find yourself lying awake in bed wondering what happens next. Do you need to find a lawyer or agent? What if the deal falls through? After all, you don't have anything in writing, only a telephone call from the editor. How long will it take for your book to reach stores? Does the book need more work? Who will do the illustrations? The questions could go on and on during the wee hours of the morning when nothing is certain.

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It usually takes several months for a book to go from the contract stage to the bookshelves. Don't be discouraged if your editor informs you that your book will not reach the bookstores until the following year. This is fairly standard. Publishing companies have to plan and work well in advance. Once you get to know the processes, you'll understand why.

In the next few chapters we will discuss contracts and the processes your book will go through in the coming months. For now, let's take a look at what you can expect shortly after you receive the news that a publisher has accepted your book.

Confirmation Letter

You will probably first receive a letter confirming that the publisher wants to publish your book and stating that a contract will follow shortly. Or the letter may state that you need to make a few revisions before the publisher can offer a contract. (Your editor most likely gave you this information during the congratulatory phone call.) If you are a first-time writer, it is common practice for an editor to want to see revisions before the contract stage. If you are asked to do revisions, then you will be given a deadline to complete them.

Contract

Once you receive the contract, you may want to hire a lawyer or a literary agent to review it for you. Contracts can be very confusing to someone who doesn't deal with such things on a daily basis. While publishers aren't out there to cheat you, they will ask for more rights than you have to give up. It is always best to know what you're signing. The contract will alert you to issues you need to know about. We'll discuss contracts in greater detail in the next chapter.

Monies

Of course, you can also expect to be paid for your hard work. If you are paid royalties, then you will probably get an advance, which is a set amount of money paid to you before the book earns money. You will be paid royalties only once the advance earns out. In other words, the book must earn enough money to cover your advance payment before you can begin collecting royalty checks. Another form of payment is the flat fee. This is one agreed-upon lump sum that the publisher pays you for the rights to your book. You will not be paid royalties or any other monies, regardless of how well your book sells.

The money you are paid for your book will not have taxes taken out of it. You must pay the taxes yourself. You may want to consult a financial adviser for the best way to do this. But for right now, keep in mind that the full sum you receive is not entirely dispensable; you will need to put some of it aside for taxes.

Take a Deep Breath

While there is certainly a lot to learn about the publishing business, you have time. Don't feel as though you have to know everything up front. Your editor will work with you. Your fellow writers will work with you. Your lawyer or literary agent will work with you. And, of course, you have this book to help you learn.

Don't panic. You've been waiting a long time to get your book published. Just think about all you have learned so far. Apparently you did a great job or you wouldn't have received that congratulatory phone call or e-mail. You will learn as you work your way through the maze. Everything will be a new experience and a lesson learned. Arm yourself with basic knowledge and then learn by doing.