When my agent was first reaching out to publishing companies, I had the thrill of being considered by a major publishing house. Like…huge. It is one of the bigger publishing houses and to even be considered by them is an honor.
Sadly, that is as far as I got. They were interested in reviewing my full manuscript but ultimately decided it was not for them. That’s not the end of the story, though. The editor who rejected my manuscript must have seen some untapped potential in it, because she took time out of her busy schedule to give her thoughts on my manuscript, along with some invaluable advice that allowed me to change my manuscript for the better.
While I was initially crushed by the rejection, I was eventually able to see it for what it was, a learning experience. An opportunity to grow and recognize that not everyone is going to like my work, but that doesn’t mean it is without worth. Just like in life, not everyone is going to like you. That doesn’t in any way diminish who you are as a person.
Rejection letters are a bit like the miles you walk. They may hurt your feet and leave you weary, but each step builds your strength, grows your calluses, and prepares you for the day that you finally reach your destination. Keep on writing, drawing, or living your best life!
As my dad recently told me after I experienced my most recent rejection, “It’s all experience.”
Bye for now!