I made my first submission before xmas and it was rejected soon after. It wasn't surprising and didn't bother me much but I had hoped getting over the first submission and rejection would encourage me to go on. That hasn't been the case. More and more I find myself wanting to go it alone. Submitting my book to publishers actually feels wrong. And the only time my gut has ever been wrong is when it's said yes to an oversized chocolate fudge cake!
I just keep thinking this series has a different destiny. This particular book isn't meant to join the same race everyone else and if anything the wording of my rejection said the same... although perhaps I'm seeing what I want to see.
Comments anyone?
I tend to agree with Jennifer - it's what I did, in the end.
Rejection letters get wearying after a while, however thick a skin you've managed to grow. That's particularly so if you truly believe your book is good enough to make its own way in the wider world. (A couple of beta-readers you know won't pull any punches helps there).
From what I can see of the industry at the mo, the two advantages of a 'traditional' publisher are their insider contacts and marketing clout, and for a new author the latter may turn out to be dubious. Everything else you can do yourself.
After the first book I still chased trad publishers, though not to the same degree, and have ended up with one. But it's early days yet, and I don't know how it'll work out. I like to think the fact my first sold quite well, eventually - it took almost two years do any volume on Amazon, so be prepared for the long haul - made the second attractive. And it was better written (lol!)
In the end I suspect it probably depends on how your patience holds out.
And I completely disagree with Damian regards the fudge cake ;)
Trust your instincts and don't fret about the other gerbils. Your words will have their time. Sometimes we follow the approved route because we're seeking that mainstream affirmation (we can be quite a needy bunch of scribes), harking back to the days of hard-fought Girl Guide badges and "must try harder" school reports. Fair enough. Now you've got that one out of the way, sit back and enjoy being a bit more off-the-wall with where you could target your idea now - even if it's packing the boot with as many copies and peddling it yourself - it's bound to be more fun than waiting .... It's yours, you can do what you like with it.
Courage.
Clare.
Do what’s in your heart. Rejection is part and parcel of being an author. Good luck what ever way you go.
P.S The oversized chocolate fudge cake! let that one go to
Regards
Damien