One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn since I started writing books was to deal with rejections. A manuscript is a writer’s “baby,” and we all know how our children or grandchildren are simply the cutest in the whole world.
When the “no’s” came rolling in at first, I felt like a failure and for fleeting moments, considered giving up penning a book. But the Lord helped to toughen me up. There are many factors why a publisher doesn’t want to accept a book. Most reasons, I firmly believe, are not because the author is just plain lousy and can’t write.
Marketability, timing of what’s selling, maybe even the genre of the book are all factors that might close the door in a writer’s face. Still, it’s hard to get that rejection letter.
I thought I’d grown thick skin and could take no with a better attitude. But about a year ago I got a rejection that literally broke my heart. And it was a long time coming as well. A editor that had already published one of my books turned me down flat. Not with a no—but by ignoring me. I had sent three more books in to this person. After a year, I finally realized the publisher didn’t want anything else from me. I fought shame and resentment for months after that.
Finally, my gracious Lord sent me an encouraging word which has now helped to wipe all my tears away and my feelings that my work didn’t measure up. I hope it helps anyone else in my same situation.
Isaiah 55:8-11. “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.'”
Since that time, I’ve received a contract with another publisher and have self-published the rejected novels. Readers contact me on Facebook about how my books have helped. Ladies at my church say they can’t put them down. So, authors, wait upon the Lord. He has a plan for you.
I love your stories June! Rejections will come and go. Your stories have a purpose and God has a plan for each one. 🙂
Hi Melissa, thanks for the encouragement. It took so long to get used to them but now my best option is to cast my burden on Him. Thanks for stopping by.