Friday, August 21, 2009

Beware Young Authors


Not to delve too long on doom and gloom, but I wanted to talk a little bit about that dark side of being a writer . . the dreaded "R" word . . REJECTION. 

It happens to every writer . . many times over. And though you grow to accept it as part of the process, it never really gets easier. At least not if you believe in the ideas you have. When you've invested time and effort into something, you grow attached to the characters and then to have them rejected is a hard pill to swallow. 

I always tell young writers that getting published is a bit like a game of chance. It's not just about getting the right idea or story, but also about getting it into the right hands. It's about matching the right story with the right editor at the right house at the right time. So, you see, the odds are stacked against every story and rejection becomes an inevitable part of the process. 

That shouldn't discourage a writer from continuing or giving up hope. It's simply part of the business. Everyone gets rejected. The trick is to use that as motivation and to stay positive. Easier said then done, I know. But writing is about confidence. When you submit an idea or story, you're opening yourself up to be let down. And though getting turned away never feels good, it's still better than never taking the chance in the first place. 

This isn't a cautionary tale . . it's simply preparation. 

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