Writing Worry #24: The fragile (author's) ego

Rejection sucks. Even though I know there are many reasons for a submission to get rejected, the first time I read the 'sorry, we aren't interested' email is always hard. David Farland's recent Daily Kick in the Pants newsletters for authors have focused on 'What's wrong with your story'. He presents numerous reasons why he rejects submissions from cliched openings to endings that cheat the reader.

Here are some more reasons beyond the story itself:

-the submission call is full

-the story is too similar to accepted submissions

-the story just isn't what the editor is looking for

I try to keep these reasons in mind when I receive a rejection and try not to get discouraged. I wallow a little and wonder why I keep trying. I doubt my ability to write. After a few days, the sting subsides and I can get back to work. I re-evaluate the story and decide whether to submit it elsewhere, sit on it or trunk it all together.

Some stories just won't sell because they aren't good enough. Others just need to end up in front of the eyes of the right person. 

It's easy to give into self-doubt. Instead I try to focus on my goal (to write and submit 12 new short stories this year) and the enjoyment I get from trying new genres and coming up with new characters and plots.

Rejection sucks, but it is a part of the process of submitting.

Short story submission update:

Boson's Mate - to be published in Valves and Vixens soon

Little Monster - getting it ready for a third submission call (I still think this one can find a home)

Gold Song - trunked (it's just not good enough)

Chapter 7 - awaiting edits for a serial novella to be published by a local newspaper

Brainatarian - still under consideration for the second submission call submitted to

The Grieving Widower - first submission rejected, on to edits before the second (I love the concept, just need to find the right market)

Bouillon de Bebe - this is my Acadian cannibalism story that I just submitted today

I'm over the halfway point with seven new short stories written this year. The next submission call is for modern pulp. I thought I'd try my hand at a Weird Menace modern pulp. I love the challenge of getting outside of my comfort zone.