Last month, I asked for questions, and I got a couple of excellent ones from Jeri Hoag. One of them was about how to keep positive in the face of rejections that often come when you start submitting a book for publication.
It isn’t easy, but it is necessary. Keep in mind that, no matter what stage of writing you’re in, there are always negative things that can occur. Published or not, you can receive rejections on your submission, by editors and agents. If you already have a relationship with them, they’re sometimes kinder in how they reject your work, but a rejection is still a rejection.
Once you’re published, though, you have a track record that follows you. I won’t lie. It helps. But remember that when you’re published your work is out there for more than a few people to look at. You’ll get reviews. Some are positive, which is always a kick.
But some will be negative. Sometimes very negative. Sometimes very negative and posted on Amazon and other sites from which you hope people will want to buy your books. That kind of review, one that can discourage people from trying your work, is always a real kick in the gut.
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I think it is! At least, I’ve attended more in-person events recently than I had in ages, and more to come.
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I’ve mentioned before that I’ve had 57 books traditionally published, mostly romantic suspense and mystery. And I’m still going!
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What’s the fun of being a writer? Everything!
And part of that includes the fact that writing is always there. It becomes part of you. At least it has with me. Everything I do, everywhere I go, my writerness is part of it. And yes, that’s an unusual word although when I Googled it, other people have apparently used it, too. -
Linda O. Johnston enjoys writing, romance, puzzles, and dogs. A former lawyer, Linda is now a full-time writer and has published 57 books—so far.
@lindaojohnston -
Linda O. Johnston enjoys writing, romance, puzzles, and dogs. A former lawyer, Linda is now a full-time writer and has published 57 books—so far.
@lindaojohnston
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Thanks so much Linda for answering my questions. It gave me a way to stay positive. Wish my luck!
Jeri Hoag
Thanks, Debra! We're in a career full of pitfalls, but there are a lot of rewards, too. One of the things I love about RWA and OCC is that we can all share our experiences, no matter what level we are.
What a great post, Linda! I remember thinking before I was published that once I GOT published, the hard part was over. I would be home free. But that isn't so. A published author still has problems, sometimes the same ones as before she was published!