From a manuscript dismissal to a query letter denial, it all stinks. Let’s discuss Rejection – the one with a big “R.” (You are free to now say ARRRR!)
So, how do we balance the negative with the positive, even when there doesn’t seem to be any in sight?
Why not be scientific about conquering “Rejection Depression?”
Newton’s Laws of Physics seem like a perfectly rational place to start. Very logical.
First Law - A body persists in its state of rest or of uniform motion unless acted upon by an external unbalanced force.
If we don’t receive a bunch of brush offs, we won’t send out many queries. Meaning, our masterpieces wouldn’t touch the lives of the agents / editors to which we submit. Oh. That sounds like they’re our overlords… perhaps they are. By the way, don’t you just love the term “unbalanced?”
Second Law - Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma): the net force on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration.
I’d like to change this to: First publication equals the magnitude times the activity (F=ma): the first novel published is equal to magnitude of the project (which is AWESOME) multiplied by the author’s activity. The more people you talk to, the more agents you query, and the more publishers you find that take un-agented talent, the better your odds. It’s a numbers game in the end.
Third Law - To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
I’m resisting the urge to scream, “Karma!” (mostly since I’m sitting in a stuffy cubicle-ridden space)
Newton’s third law is my favorite. With every negative force, create a new opportunity for greatness. Send out more letters. Re-edit your manuscript. Start a new project.
Conquer the Rejection by pushing ahead.
(I’d rather be Spock than Debbie Downer anyway.)
How ‘bout you? Any tips or tricks?
Simple: I view rejection as someone else's regrettable lack of insight. If they can't appreciate my obvious brilliance, then they're hardly worth my attention.
ReplyDeleteI have major issues, huh?