I got a rejection this morning and it was like water off a duck's back. The reason was a combination of a) I didn't love love love the agent, only liked him lots and b) I expected to get the rejection. Not in a pessimistic way, but in a realistic way. That's how I'm feeling, realistic. Lots of people will reject my ms. I only need one person to love it (though if it could be 2 or 3, I'd be psyched.)
I'm coming to believe that this is ok, that it's not a reflection of my work. Duh, right? But it's a big step for me. I'm also thinking beyond this book. I'm thinking it's not the end of the world if this book doesn't go anywhere. I'm still writing. I'm still blogging and participating. It's such a small shift of perception but inside me it's huge.
So, are you there yet?
Wow, I clearly need to be a part of this group. Then again, I once heard a famous painter say, "If you're not your own biggest critic, then you're doing something wrong."
ReplyDeleteJust make sure you don't turn yourself off emotionally to the process and put a little bit of yourself in every query letter you send. Agents can feel it.
Congratulations are in order for turning a new leaf that will preserve your sanity. I have a lot to learn from you, Alex.
@Kiersi - definitely join up, it's a fun group started by Alex J. Cavanaugh over here. It's on ongoing blogfest - we post on the first wednesday of the month and visit as many other blogs as we can, offering encouragement, baked goods or tissues.
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