Sunday, September 13, 2015

Rejection - But, with a personal note

In November of last year, I sent a PB manuscript to a publishing company. I had submitted to them before and knew I would get notified in a timely manner, (usually before 3 months), if they wanted my manuscript or not. I had also researched what they published and my manuscript fit them to a T!

Since then I have been waiting patiently (if that is what you call crossing my fingers when the phone rang and constantly watching my emails). I was that sure my manuscript had a chance.

I even did a no-no. I did a follow-up email after waiting around four months. But, it wasn't so bad. They promptly got back with me and said it had been sent to the owners for a decision. So, I continued to wait.

One day, during the course of my waiting, I checked out my stats on my author blog, I saw where someone from the publishing company had visited my site. (My heart and hopes soared) They are checking me out, I thought.

Saturday, after arriving back from our family reunion, I checked the mailbox. There was my SASE waiting for me. That was not what I had hoped to see.

But, on the bright side, it was a personal rejection signed by the Editor in Chief.

She thanked me for my patience during their evaluation (9 1/2 months), they had given it their thorough consideration, but were afraid they decided to pass due to limited publishing slots available each year. Again, saying she was sorry and apologizing for their delays.

Sigh

Oh, well. I'll do more research and send it off to another publisher.

 Also, I have another PB manuscript out there that I sent to another publisher after careful research. This one also fits them to a T.

 Keeping my fingers crossed.

What is new with your writing and submitting?





 

12 comments:

  1. I count that rejection as a win! Way to go, Janet.

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    1. Well, as they say here in the country, "Close only counts when playing horseshoes." But, I'll keep trying.

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  2. Anytime I get a personal note with a rejection, I rejoice. Keep on keeping' on. Your day will come.

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  3. You're one step closer for them to send a personal note and obviously seriously considered it. The next publisher may just be the one. Good luck with both pb..

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  4. Your persistence will pay off, Janet. At least a personal note is a positive sign that they are reading your work.
    Best of luck to you!

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    1. Thanks, Anita. Some days I just want to quit, but I'll keep on writing.

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  5. Oh I am sorry.........I know how that rejection letter feels! But don't give up and keep sending it to publishers!

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  6. It's really hard to wait for a response on submissions. You are very lucky to get a personal handwritten rejection letter. They say anything in writing from an editor is encouraging. He or she took the time to write personally. Good luck with your publishing.

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