Ugh. Last night my agent sent me another editor’s rejection on my novel. They’re all saying the same thing: ‘I liked it but didn’t love it enough to take it on.’ The vast majority of novels I’ve read I’ve liked but didn’t love — some I didn’t even like at all — but definitely most fall into that first category. The last ‘rejector’ said she thought I was intelligent and at points the book was laugh out loud funny, but she just didn’t fall enough in love. Last night’s said she liked the plot very much but wasn’t “head-over-heels immersed” enough to fight for Sophie “in-house and out in the world.” It sounds like Sophie’s going off to war or something! I guess it is kind of a war to get the average person to pick up a book, particularly if that book is fiction. Which then makes it a war to get the publishing house to invest money into producing it.
Ugh. I guess I’ve spent enough time away from it that I should re-look and make some changes. Or maybe I should just resign myself to the fact that a good many writers never get their first novels published and throw myself into the second… It’s just so daunting because I really think a novel has to be, if not the hardest piece of art to make, then at least the one that takes the longest.
In any event, Cedar Lake Ballet is holding a shindig for dance bloggers tonight and I’ve already told a friend he’s going to have to take notes on the ballet for me because I intend to get thoroughly plastered at the pre-show cocktail party!
Aw, please don’t be discouraged! You’ve come so far, and should be proud to say that you got a manuscript finished! I know so many people who have attempted books and never even got to the end!
Thanks Ariel 🙂
I would read your book! And the Cedar Lake thing sounds awesome. I’ve worked with members of Cedar Lake II (which no longer exists) and theyre dang amazing. Have fun (if you can remember it)
Selly
Don’t get discouraged, Tonya. In college I interned for some agents who love dealing with first novels and some agents who feel like it takes a couple tries to really get the novel thing perfect. So getting an agent who loves your first novel is an accomplishment in and of itself.
And while we all read books that we like but don’t love, you really do want to have an editor who is totally in love with your book and will be a great advocate within the publishing company and outside it. You can really tell when an editor is excited about a book they’re working on and I do think it makes a difference. I’m sure you’ll get there in time–your book just needs to find its way into the hands of the perfect person. 🙂
Hey Tonya, don’t get discouraged. Someone will read it soon and love it!! Enjoy your shindig tonight!! Nicole
I’d read it! The right person will come along at the right time. Keep your chin up, you are a gifted woman, and its going to happen for you!
Do you know how many successful and famous writers had their first manuscript rejected? Their name is legion. Hang in there, Tonya, and sooner or later, you will find an editor who will recognize and appreciate your talent. Add me to the list of those who are ready and eager to read your novel!
Thank you so much you guys — you guys are so wonderful. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your encouragement! Am feeling much better 🙂