The Art of Rejection: ROW80 Check In

I chuckled when I saw this comic strip on Facebook. There's so much truth in it, at least for me. Just a few years ago, I thought the only path to book success was a publishing contract.

The beautiful thing about rejection is that sometimes it opens up paths we would have never considered before. I'm so appreciative of the brave indie souls who cut down the obstacles and paved a new way.

Joining writing communities and forums such as She Writes, A Round of Words in 80 Days, Writers' Platform Building Campaign, World Literacy Cafe has been inspiring and informative. I wish I had found these resources before I published my first book, but they have helped prepare me to publish my second, third, and ...

Don't get me wrong, I am not discounting traditional publishing. I plan to query agents for all my books, but only as another option. I don't fear indie publishing, nor do I think it has a stigma anymore. Readers who love books will find good books. I believe that.

I read here that 95% of all unsolicited manuscripts are rejected outright (form letter, no request for more), 5% get requests for entire manuscripts... of that 5%, only 1-2% are actually purchased for publication. I feel honored that several agents asked for more of our novel, and three asked for the entire manuscript. One even said, "we have read and discussed your work at length, and although it is, indeed, a moving and original mother/daughter/family discussion, we don't feel we would be the appropriate agent for it." 

I never thought rejection would result in a feeling of success, but it did. After all, being in the 5% feels pretty darn good sometimes. 

What has rejection taught you?  

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Since it's Wednesday, I'll add my ROW80 Update here:

Writing: 603 words. Good words, but wish there had been more. The last month of school is crazy, and I'm trying to fit in so much before summer and kids.

Editing: On course. Dare I say, maybe even a bit ahead.

Blogging: Enjoying my blog challenges this month. Every day in May. I hope you'll pop back by often this month.

Reading: Some interesting reads lately. One book, a homoerotic romance with vampires, has spawned a review post on Mom in Love with Fiction and soon a post here. I've written it, but need to let it sit a day or two.

Social Media: Overwhelmed, but loving it. Learning Pinterest is part of Blogathon, and I'm so far behind. Any Pinterest tips for writers?

Exercise: Running and eating better. Now, I need to find time for some cross-training.

My WIP and I are scheduled for some come to Jesus meetings this week. Wish my luck!