Rejection Schmection
I had this crazy idea about writing a book. Nobody talked me out of it, and so I got far enough along to send my manuscript, or a portion thereof, to book agents. I know from past experiences that rejection is part of life, even The Game of Life. (I always ended up with too many kids to fit in my car.) But rejection is especially a part of life focused on creative ventures.
But, nonetheless, when I began this highly disillusioning phase of the process, little did I know that I would have to subject myself to this kind of bullshit!
“Thanks for sending this my way. It’s a terrific concept. Well written and very funny. However, in the end, I just didn’t fall in love with it as much as I would have hoped.”
Ouch. I’ve heard the same thing from guys I’ve dated. The old “You don’t warrant enough love” excuse. However, unlike with romantic relationships in which I eventually discover that I just wasn’t psycho enough to help them live out their fetish or fantasies (but crazy enough to try), the above rejection slices with a sushi blade straight through my heart. No, it’s not that you couldn’t put up with my cooking, obsessive compulsive cleaning habits, or my monthly crying sprees, you don’t love my soul. Fucker.
Here’s another gem:
“Thank you for sending your material. Considering your background and credentials, I really wanted to love this. It’s a fun story, but I’m afraid I didn’t connect with your writing voice…”
Just tell me you’re not the right fit, not the right “match” for God’s sakes (or any Match.com euphemisms for “I’m not into you”). In the real word if someone annoys you, you don’t spell it out to them, you just say “I got plans.”
Ok, here’s one for the road.
“I just was not as captivated with your story as I thought I may have been from your query letter. I just felt for me it lacked a bit of depth. It’s something to think about.”
Hmmmmm…what am I supposed to be thinking about? How not deep I am? How I spent two years writing something shallow and non-captivating?
A simple “No, thank you,” would have sufficed from all three of the above. But if you’re going to go further constructive feedback might be helpful. How about “more showing and less telling,” as one agent suggested.
Just for today, I can live with rejection. (Because I have no choice).