How Rejection can Lead to Publication

I've been writing my entire life--from children's stories to dabbling in screenplays to eventually testing my mettle with full-length manuscripts. At 57 years of age, I can say it has been a long journey. How younger writers get their work traditionally published is nothing short of astonishing--especially now that I know the hours and years of labor required for such a task.

Why did I commit myself to be published by a standard publisher, rather than self-publish? Because of low self-esteem and a need for professional approval. Frankly, I do not trust my own assessment of my writing.

I wrote two full novels and trashed them before I finally grit my teeth and wrote two more novels, one of which I submitted to publishers over 30 times in a fifteen-year period. At last, one publisher offered helpful feedback, which led to my arduously gutting the story, changing the premise, making numerous revisions, and editing the manuscript over and over again. It was the most helpful rejection letter I ever received.

Was it worth it?

Yes, for several reasons. Aside from the fact that my novels have finally been recognized and accepted by Winged Publications, revising my manuscripts forced me to further develop the craft of writing and develop my characters more thoroughly to make them more likable and believable.

So, my advice? If you are a writer who can't stop writing, keep at it. And when you complete a work, set aside your ego and submit it to carefully researched publishers. Multiple publishers. If you're blessed enough to receive a rejection with constructive criticism, take it. Learn from it. Grow from it.

Write. Rewrite. And submit that manuscript again.