Dealing With Rejection Letters From Book Agents
Hints & Tips on Submitting Manuscripts to Fiction Publishers
Apr 16, 2009
Completing a full-length novel may bring for the writer a sense of achievement, release and a high. But this is only the beginning of a long, and at times, rocky journey. The rejection letter from book publishers is much like the peril of a minefield on a land of hope. The writer must prepare emotionally or lose the will to write.
Manuscript Submissions Guidelines
The preliminary submission guidelines for most publishers and agents is for the writer to enclose the first two to three chapters of their novel, possibly with a synopsis, along with the author’s contact details and SAE. The wait may be up to six weeks, depending upon the workload. More often than not, the author’s work will be returned within the SAE accompanied by a standardised letter, informing the author that for one reason or another the manuscript was unsuitable.
Help for Authors
The long wait for this small payoff can be painful for the inexperienced writer. But there are a few things to remember when this happens.
- Almost every successful author has received this letter.
- Many successful writers have received fifty or more rejection letters before finding a publisher.
- Some successful writers have even been known to wallpaper their room with them.
- J K Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel was initially turned down.
A Step Closer to Getting Published
Some rejection letters are not outright rejections. If the editor gives reasons for the rejection, other than just a “no”, this can be a good sign. Publishing houses are very busy and any special attention could be a sign that the author shows some sort of promise. For this reason, it is wise to keep all rejection letters.
Sending Novels to Publishing Agents
Most writers will send their work off to several publishers in the hope that their manuscript just needs to find the right publisher. If the rejections just keep coming, consider the following:
- Ensure the novel is appropriately matched to the publisher. It is no good sending a crime novel to a publisher of romantic fiction. The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook (AC Black, 2008) is an invaluable guide for authors.
- Has the novel been redrafted to the best of the author’s ability? Is there a structural problem with the plot? If so, it might need revising.
- Exam the rejection letters. Is there a common theme to the remarks offered? If so, act upon it before resubmitting.
Tips for Writers
After dozens of rejection letters, the novelist might be tempted to abandon it. The following might help alleviate despair:
- Put the novel away and begin another project.
- Revisit the novel in a few months time.
- Review the novel with a fresh eye. Weaknesses will suddenly become obvious; the opening chapter was too slow, a character is superfluous or a scene holds up the tension.
Receiving Editorial Feedback from the Book Agent
The feelings that constant rejection letters can bring can be overpowering, particularly if the writer strongly believes in their work. A new day brings a new perspective, and one day, these feelings might even be put to use when projecting them upon a fictional character. It helps to talk to someone, but there is no use in trying to convince the publisher they are unjustified in their rejection. It is best to move on.
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