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| My first rejection letter, center-left |
I was so excited to make it as a runner-up in the Wilde's Fire Query Contest. It was a lot of firsts for me. First query letter, first 500 words to an actual editor/publisher. Runner-up and a three-chapter request!
That was the euphoria part.
And then my first rejection letter. You can read more about this next Wednesday when I write my post for the Insecure Writers Support Group.
That was the rejection part.
I printed the letter and hung it on my corkboard, like those people who display the first dollar they ever made. A milestone of sorts. I considered writing "rejected" in red marker across it, but I don't want to look at that every day.
Seriously, though. It was a great experience and wonderful opportunity. The participants and hostesses, Sharon Bayliss and Krystal Wade were so helpful and kind.
Even my rejection was kind!
And yes, I did pin the letter to my corkboard, because now that I've been rejected, I'm a real writer. I put myself out there, experienced the glow of approval and the despair of rejection. Yep! Real Writer!
So my first rejection letter is proudly displayed.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP!
WINNERS
Victoria Smith
Ryan Hancock
Larissa Hardesty
AK Fotinos-Hoyer
Jade Hart
Juliana Haygart
RUNNERS-UP
PK Hrezo
Kelly Gerschke
Jamie Ayers
Tuere Morton
Jessa Russo
Hope Roberson
Gwen Gardner
Deana Barnhart
Thank you everyone!
When did you become a real writer?
Well, at least it was a nice rejection letter. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was really nice - Krystal is very nice. As an author herself, I think she must know how we feel and how fragile we are:)
DeleteCongrats to the winners and runners up.
ReplyDeleteAnd additional Congrats to you as well getting that first rejection. Like you said, it took putting yourself out there to even get the rejection. The next thing you get could be a "yes".
I "felt" like a real writer the first time I finished a full MS several years ago. That MS has long since see the underside of a digital disposal world and a shredder lol!!!
Thanks Angela. You shredded your first MS? Oh No!
DeleteGwen,
ReplyDeleteWhat a positive way of looking at a rejection letter! I think your outlook is going to be the key to your success, because, unfortunately, rejection is part of this job. But it makes those requests for pages and offer letters so much more exciting and fulfilling.
Excellent attitude! Keep it--it will serve you will do you well during the querying process.
Michelle :)
www.michelle-pickett.com
Thanks Michelle, I do and will remain positive except on IWSG once a month:)
Deleteyay! writing is such an up and down career. Hope you get a yes soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks Prerna! I've only just begun!
DeleteGreat attitude! Just one small step. Keep risking those rejection letters.
ReplyDeleteI knew I was a writer when I actually completed my first book.
Alex, completing the book was a total milestone. Somehow my first rejection letter was special, lol! In a strange kind of way:)
DeleteFrom now on in you can only go one way and that's up! Keep on Writing, Sister. We are here to pick you up when the going gets tough.
ReplyDeletePaula, thank you. Gonna need a lot of propping up, too:)
DeleteFollowed. Love the new site, btw. :)
ReplyDeleteYay, you found me! My site is still a work in progress, but it's a start:)
DeleteI want to say congratulations even though that sounds a bit silly. But getting a rejection letter means you've finished your book and that is such a great achievement! I wish I was at that point, but I still have a ways to go. (:
ReplyDeleteThanks Elise! I still have at least one more round of edits, but according to the editor, it's almost there:) That gives me hope.
Deletei'm bracing myself for rejections - almost time to start submitting, which is much scarier than dreaming!!
ReplyDeleteGina, it certainly is. But a process we must go through to grow as writer's, I guess:)
DeleteI think you're a real writer the first time you start writing. I don't believe you need to sell or submit in order to call yourself a writer. Congrats on the rejection, the query and the contest. Great firsts. :)
ReplyDelete