By Kate Carroll
We regret to inform you...
Fellow writers,
I had so, so many rejections to choose from, but I narrowed them down, so as not to bore you with repetition. The names of real editors and publishers were changed for obvious reasons.
Here’s the top ten!
#10 Crickets!
This is a common rejection – nothing! It is frustrating, especially when you are first starting out. That is why the best advice after submitting a manuscript is start working on your next big thing.
#9 Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. Unfortunately it’s a pass for me.
Another common rejection letter which provided no feedback. No helpful words to writers, but regard it as an opportunity to read up on the editor to see what his current list looks like. If you keep getting these types of rejections, it may be time to do a serious revision or start on a new project.
#8 On behalf of chief editor, Greta Goodatgrammar, thank you for sharing this title. This is not the perfect fit for the Dueling Doodlers' list at this time. We wish you the best of luck finding the right home for this project.
Again, not much to go on, but be a good detective here. It was not the perfect fit for this house, but it may be perfect for another house. Keep submitting.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
#7 Thanks for sending this fascinating project my way. I’m afraid it’s not a fit for me, but I appreciated the chance to consider it, and I hope you’ll find a perfect editor for it. Sincerely, Warren Wordly
Finally, one positive word to hold on to – FASCINATING. Yes! That’s what I was going for! Here was that one word of encouragement to keep me from quitting. One word can motivate your creativity.
#6 Thank you for sharing Kate Carroll’s work with us. While we see the commercial appeal and holiday promotional moment with this story, we found ourselves struggling with the rhyme scheme and ultimately felt that this was not a must-have for our very full picture book lists at this time. We are going to pass, but we hope you find the right home for this story.
This rejection offered a few hints. The manuscript had commercial appeal, exactly what we want an editor to say. But in passing on it, they gave insight into what ultimately turned this into a rejection. The rhyme scheme did not meet the standard of this editing team, but finally, a nugget of information to inform revision.
#5 I've had a chance to consider your beautiful submission with my team and while it’s a very compelling telling of the Christmas story, it doesn’t feel quite right for Please Pick Me Press. There was a bit too much storytelling that is outside of the Biblical Christmas story for us.
A team of people looked at this project and found it compelling – which according to Oxford dictionary means evoking interest or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way. A pop the collar moment! The reason for the “pass” was specific and helped us to look at the story from their viewpoint and to look in new directions for submissions.
#4…I’m a sucker for funny names and puns, and I really enjoyed all the turkey names in this story (Where’s Waddle was my personal favorite). I also thought the interactive element at the end, of writing in the reader’s own idea for a turkey name, was a fun touch! However, I ultimately felt like this story as a whole felt a little too slight to be able to support a full jacketed picture book, and I wasn’t sure that the hook of the book felt strong enough to stand out in the market. With this in mind, I unfortunately have to pass.
This same manuscript received a rejection for totally different reasons above (see number 6). Just a reminder that this business is subjective and proves that landing a book deal is a lot like matchmaking. Where will your story find “true love?”
#3 I am intrigued by this project. I like the non-fiction mixed in with a fun guessing game. I would like to have a little more time in considering this.
This was such an encouraging response, but ultimately, nothing happened with it. My agent followed up a few times and never heard back. Instead of feeling deflated, I believed even more in my manuscript. It was confirmation that I was on to something good.
#2 Thanks very much for thinking of me for TEN BIG BARKS. It’s *very* cute, but, alas, too similar to a new picture book on our list that is also a dog-themed counting book that counts up to 10 and back down again!
The story mentioned above came out 8 months after I received this rejection. My take-away: Two great writers thinking the same thing – one came up with the idea a little faster!
and drum roll, please...
#1 Thanks so much for sending me this lively story. But though there are some wonderful descriptions here, and the setting is vividly described, ultimately the plot doesn’t feel quite special enough to me.
I am very intrigued by Hope's personal story, however. Do you think they would ever be interested in writing about a child like her, and her trip to the US? If you think she’d want to give it a try, please know that I’d be happy to help in any way I can.
This was a difficult journey. We took this editor’s offer and told the story. Over the course of a year, we did many rewrites, and in the end, it was rejected. It is still a story we know will find its forever home, just like our daughter did!
Rejections are reminders that we are doing what we should - which is getting our work out there. When rejections light up your inbox, and they will, take a moment, because it does sting, but it's not life threatening. Hold on to these words of wisdom from esteemed professional Mary Kole who said, "When an agent or publisher declines your manuscript, ... take your time to refine, reinvent and elevate your craft. ..."
Remember, it can’t be on a bookshelf at B&N if it’s still on your desk! So, writers, write that beautiful, humorous, heartfelt, intriguing, adventurous story and remember that a rejection is just a reminder that true love is still out there waiting for your manuscript to find it.
