Related Posts
So, I’m about to do something a little bit scary.
I’m about to hit send on a series of emails.
These emails are addressed to publishers.
My very first children’s picture book manuscript is attached to these emails.
I’ve been sitting on this manuscript for most of the year.
“I’m just polishing it,” I’d tell myself.
“The structure just needs a bit of reworking,” I’d argue.
“I’m just a bit unsure about some of my word choices,” I’d whisper uncertainly.
The main character, Eddie Spaghetti, has been a part of my life for awhile now.
I kinda feel like the parent at the school gate, sending him off into the playground alone for the first time.
He’s like my second baby. I’m ready to let go of him.
Thrusting him out there into Publisher Land is exciting but also daunting. Not to be Captain Negativity, but when it comes to getting published, I keep hearing a constant refrain-
Prepare to be rejected.
Again. And Again. And Again.
Did you know that the Mem Fox classic, “Possum Magic,” was rejected by 9 publishers over a period of 5 years?
9 times! 5 years!
Mem Fox!
Can you imagine a Possum Magic-free world?
So I find myself in a funny headspace. Ready to let go of my baby whilst trying to psyche myself up for some inevitable rejection. Nobody likes rejection, right?
What if nobody likes my baby?
The only way I’m going to find out is by hitting send. I just have to be big and brave and do it.
If anybody needs me, I’ll be the crazy lady wandering around singing “Que Sera Sera…. Whatever will be, will beeeeeeee.”
What is your relationship with rejection like? Healthy? Or do you avoid it like the plague?
I avoid it but then I have never written a book. This is so exciting!! Good luck. Rachel x
Thanks for the lovely wishes, Rachel! Other writers (who are much more prolific than myself!) say that you just get used to alla the rejection! I think this means I need to write more manuscripts so that I stop fixating on “the one” that is out there! Thanks for stopping by xx
Oh how hard that must be..so using the first kid off to school analogy, write book 2, 3 and more so that kid won’t be your only any more! Good luck!
Definitely a good philosophy, Denyse! I need to stop fixating on my one “baby!” Thanks for your kind words xx
Good luck!
I am familiar with the feeling of self-doubt. It’s what held me back from really pursuing my love of photography and design. But I am trying my best to push past those doubts and put myself out there. I think I need to learn not to fear rejection but to embrace and understand that rejection can only help me to improve on what I’m doing and work harder. I hope!
Visiting on behalf of #teamIBOT today x
Beautifully worded, Kylie! And check out your blog- filled with beautiful photography and design- you’re clearly bull-dozing those feelings of doubt and fear. The tricky thing to embrace is the idea that if you’re feeling fear and doubt about something, then it’s probably a good thing… it means you are out of your comfort zone!
Awesome. That is great that you were brave enough to send it out there to be considered. I hope it is reassuring that you can see that 9 publishers rejected her book and it is not at all an indicator of the quality of the book but rather the views of certain people (who probably kicked the,selves later). Hoping your right connection is just around the corner. Good luck.
Thank you for your kind words, Deb! I sent it out yesterday afternoon, so now I just have to move on and get on with life. xx
This is very exciting. Mentally kiss each email and send it out there with as much positivity as you can muster. Then go forth and be fabulous xx
Thanks, my dear! “Go forth and be fabulous” – what an awesome mantra!
I self published because rejection scared me! I don’t regret that, but I do think next time I’ll put my big girl knickers on and send it away.
Good luck! I really hope it gets picked up. xx
Go you! That’s funny- I’m sending to publishers because self-publishing scares the pants off me! Tying in with your post yesterday about tea and cake, I realised that I sometimes want life to ONLY be about tea, cake, sunshine and lollipops. So I’m all good with positive emotions, but avoid the negatives like the plague. I gotta start embracing those icky, negative emotions as well!
Thanks for dropping by AND for hosting IBOT- it was my first one yesterday and the lovely comments I’ve received as a result have been splendiferous xxx
I’m actually terrible at rejection. It’s a big fear of mine. However, let’s not detract from the situation here, you have written a book! What an awesome achievement. You know, my uncle is 75 and a double amputee and has just self published his third book! See, anything is possible. I think you have to be in it to win it. Be brave and be fabulous. Sending lots of good vibes your way x
How awesome is your uncle!
Thank you for your most kind words…. now go run that half-marathon!