Writing Tools: What Does Getting A Rejection Mean? By Susan Hanniford Crowley

Everyone once in a while I chance upon someone on social media who received a rejection of their manuscript. It could even be a “no” when their manuscript was held up several months with a “maybe.”

Don’t shed a tear over a rejection. Put it in your rejection file so you can show the tax people, if necessary, that you are indeed a working writer.

Here’s the truth about rejections: No, doesn’t mean anything!

No, doesn’t mean anything. Why?

The intern didn’t come in, so someone with too much of their own work is sending out “no” to everyone on the intern’s desk.

The person in charge of that pile is sick or has a headache and sent No to everyone.

The pile is too big and takes up space on their desk and they want a clear desk.

The first couple of pages might have been read by someone who didn’t like it. Everyone has an opinion and it might not be what they enjoy reading.

The first couple of pages might have been read by someone who passed it upward but got the word that they are already publishing a book on that idea and so they won’t take yours. It’s competition.

Here are some other reasons you were rejected.

1. The editor died who loved your type of work and no one is replacing them. (That happened to a friend.)


2. The company has just been bought out by another publishing house and everything there was automatically rejected. (That happened to another friend.)


3. You have not edited your manuscript enough and mistakes are showing. That means you will have to edit it yourself around ten times and hire an editor to edit it before sending it out again. Unfortunately, the rejection probably won’t say that and merely state, “It’s not for us.”


4. A celebrity’s manuscript had just come in and bounced you out of being published. (I know because that happened to me. Funny story: I was at a cocktail party in Manhattan when a publisher walked up to me and apologized for not publishing mine which he loved. His apology was very loud and everyone stopped talking and stared at us. He had reasoned that the celebrity would really bring in big sales and that didn’t happen.) Regardless, publishers still do this.

They will go with the royals, celebrities, influencers, politicians, and anyone rich and famous before publishing anyone new, not famous, and/or not wealthy. It all boils down to money spent on advertising. It costs more to advertise an unknown.


The only time a rejection means anything is when there is something helpful written on it. If they ask you to fix it and resubmit, do it!!! That’s how I started with Marion Zimmer Bradley writing back to me with advice.

So basically what I am saying to you is that the rejection most likely has nothing to do with your book. Keep sending it out. If you get positive advice act on it right away and in your return cover letter, say, “Thank you!”

Have a great Summer, be safe, and write.

Truly,

Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
https://susanhannifordcrowley.com is still under construction. Visit my author page on Amazon to see all my books:
https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/e/B004YXOGXG

EverNight for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback.
EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also on Amazon around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available on Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) is available on Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) is available on Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available on Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 is available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Now we wait
for the return of the princess.