"A rejection is nothing more than a necessary step in the pursuit of success."-Bo Bennett
If a
story is rejected several times, I shelve it for a few weeks, or months, and
then reevaluate it. When I reread a shelved manuscript, I look for reasons the
story is NOT publishable. If enough reasons pop up their ugly heads and I can’t
figure out a way to correct the ugliness, I reshelve the rascal. Not all
manuscripts are publishable, but I never discard one. Maybe I’ll
figure out a way to rehab at some point in the future. Maybe my skills as a
writer haven’t developed enough to write in a particular style. Maybe I’ll hone
those skills and produce a better story later. Maybe I’ll use bits and pieces
of a non-publishable work in another manuscript where they are a cozy fit.
I
try to appreciate the rejections. Hard to believe, huh? Some editors provide
notes on what didn’t or did work. That gives me a basis from which to
reevaluate the piece. Or a string of rejections with no comments also speaks
volumes. Either way, I’ve learned.
Fact:
I can’t change the marketplace, but I can change what I write, so I focus on
what I can control. I work to improve my writing and place all my energy on
what I can change.
Develop
a thick skin so rejection can’t become disabling. I’ve received so many
rejections over the years, hundreds really. They still perturb me with a
wasp-like sting, but I never think that I’ll quit writing because of one or two
or more.
Every
writer works at his/her own pace. There is no right or wrong recipe for success.
Try writing in different genres and follow work schedules that adapt to your
lifestyle. When I’ve done everything I can and still receive a rejection, I
think of it as proof of my efforts. I finished the manuscript and shipped it
out so that’s worthy of celebration. Pass the chocolate, please.
Call
for submissions for Young Writers
Ember is a semiannual journal of poetry, fiction, and creative
nonfiction for all age groups. Submissions for and by readers aged 10 to 18 are
strongly encouraged.
Submissions are managed through our
Submission Manager, powered by Submittable. If you submit by e-mail, we will
direct you to use our Submission Manager instead. A link to the submission
manager can be found at the bottom of this page, after you have read through
the submission guidelines.
Call
for submissions for Adult Writers
Intergeneration Storytelling Contest rules:
- Stories
must include characters from more than one generation.
- Stories
must be original and unpublished, and may be fiction, non-fiction, or a
combination.
- Stories may
not exceed 400 words.
- Stories
must be provided via copying and pasting the text into the body
of your e-mail submission.
- Your e-mail submission must be sent through our website’s submission form, and include the author’s name, exact mailing address and e-mail contact in order that all winners may be advised immediately upon winning (contact information will remain private).
Deadline: September 30, 2016.
Submission guidelines at http://intergenerationmonth.org/enter-the-contest/
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