Fresh Fiction Blog | Cecy Robson | Seventy-Five No's to One Oh, YES!

I'm not sure how many writers there are out there, but I'm assuming there are quite a few. And more than a few have received that emotional gut-punch known as a rejection letter.

Rejection is a funny beast. We can learn a great deal from it when it's accompanied by a few words of encouragement mixed with instruction on how to improve our baby (aka our manuscripts). Rejection can also cause us to seek refuge beneath the closest bed in order to assume our protective fetal positions. Some rejections are empowering. They make us think, "I'm close. I just need to strengthen my characters, add some humor, insert a plot―something."

The vast majority have us seeking support from the nearest loved one and consuming about 3.5 lbs of chocolate (this is just a rough estimate; the amount can vary based on nature of rejection email).

I'll admit, I had a few rejections. Okay, maybe more like seventy-five to be exact. This isn't a joke. I kept track, and, oh yes, I counted.

When writers first get that "no" it hurts. A lot. It can hurt in many stages. For example: when a writer receives that hellish rejection in mere minutes (not that I was counting) from when the manuscript was sent, it stings.

What can hurt a lot more is when the agent or editor being queried shows interest. Not only has he or she demonstrated interest, he or she wants, no . . . anticipates the full manuscript. And you send it. Then time passes and you're sure he or she has fallen in love with your book baby. Then more time passes and you're certain the agent / editor is laughing at this part or that part, or is flipping through the pages wondering how your protagonist will ever survive the epic fight scene you created. In other words, you can see said agent or editor wrinkling said pages with how hard he or she is gripping this masterpiece you put into print.

Then yet more time passes and you convince yourself the manuscript must have been dumped into that evil universe known as SPAM, or dearest editor / agent doesn't really like it as much as you thought . . . or doesn't think this part or that part was funny. And that epic fight scene you created? Maybe not so epic and rather boring after all.

Then you receive the rejection that reaffirms your insecurities, doubts, and fears as a writer.

I've been there. And guess what? I survived. No one died. I didn't lose my best friend. The zombie apocalypse never happened. And the sun did come out the next day.

Most of all, I kept writing. I didn't give up even when the no's weren't so nice, or so positive. I focused on how to improve my manuscript until the next query I submitted morphed into a very enthusiastic YES!

And that "yes" turned into a three-book deal with Penguin Random House. Guess whose novels have recently released to rave reviews?

Keep writing, peeps!

Cecy Robson
CecyRobson.com

Weird Girls Urban Fantasy Romance Series

Sealed With a Curse
Weird Girls
#1.0
January 2013

A Cursed Embrace
Weird Girls
#2.0
July 2013

Comments

I'm glad you didn't take "no" as your final answer! Congratulations and
thanks for the giveaway!!!
(Linda Brennan 7:23pm August 7, 2013)

I found that one thing Authors have is - determination, among other things. Since you have 3 books under your belt, I would hide the list of 75 rejections!! I must confess that I've never read an Urban Fantasy book before, but would love to read your books. I'm sure they would turn me into a fan. The artwork on the covers are very well done, too!! They really catch your eye!! Congratulations on your books. I'm sure we'll hear more from you in the future!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:10am August 12, 2013)

I love when people are persistent in getting what they want.
And I'm glad your books are published in print!!! Reading on
screens is not my favorite!
(Kenra Brewer 11:08am August 12, 2013)

I'm so glad you didn't listen to those rejections! These books look great and I can't wait to read them. Thanks!
(Bonnie Capuano 11:12am August 12, 2013)

Congratulations on your success after receiving those rejections.
(Maureen Emmons 11:39am August 12, 2013)

What wonderful advice, not just for authors, but for life in
general. The zombie apocalypse didn't occur, and life carried
on. For those who don't give up, they will thrive, and are
closer to success than those who do. Thank you for the
reminder!
(Anna Mekus 12:28pm August 12, 2013)

That's AWESOME that you kept going...I guess that's one reason
I'm a reader and not a writer...I don't think I could handle
rejection myself.
(Billie Gaskill 12:46pm August 12, 2013)

Thanks for sharing the advice Cecy, it is very much
appreciated!
(Timitra Cozier-Bobb EHL- 1196 1:49pm August 12, 2013)

Thanks for sharing. I am very glad you didn't take no for
an answer. I love the Weird Girls!
I will keep what you said in mind. I have lots of ideas for
books, but I haven't figured out how to write the book yet.
Somewhere between my head and the paper the story gets lost.
But maybe one day, they will get written.
(Eva Millien 2:04pm August 12, 2013)

cant wait for book number 3 to come out!!!!!!
xxx
(Rachael Constant 2:39pm August 12, 2013)

I love reading how you didn't give up. I love those covers. congrats on getting published.
(Larena Hubble 2:46pm August 12, 2013)

I love that you kept trying!!! Yay! I can't wait to read them! They look great!
(Jodie Larson 2:58pm August 12, 2013)

Bravo!
Thank you for your amazing books! :)
(Bube Petreska 3:29pm August 12, 2013)

Thank you, everyone, for your kind posts and thoughts. Don't
give up on your dreams--whatever they may be!
(Cecy Robson 4:34pm August 12, 2013)

There is a lot to be said about a person's tenacity.
(Karen Blossom 5:21pm August 12, 2013)

I'm a chocoholic, too, mainly in the form of brownies and cake. I've gotten rejection letters before, but I'm not a writer. They were letters saying that I didn't get the job I applied or went on an interview for. A vampire and werewolf story sounds good. Congrats and good luck in the future with your writing.
(Michelle Fidler 5:28pm August 12, 2013)

As the saying goes, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." So happy you did, and congrats on getting published and never giving up on your dreams (esp. after all those rejections). Covers are great!
(Rich Cook 5:30pm August 12, 2013)

I so admire today's published and unpublished authors. It's a rough business! Congrats on never giving up and much success!
(Monica Vargo 6:00pm August 12, 2013)

i love the books cant wait to read this one also
(Denise Smith 6:42pm August 12, 2013)

thank you for great books. i love this series.thanks i cant wait for this one.
(Jennifer Beck 9:17pm August 12, 2013)

There is lesson in persistence! I can't wait to read it, although when I hear "Weird Sisters", I think of Terry Pratchett! ;-)
(Marcia Berbeza 10:04pm August 12, 2013)

That's wonderful! Congrats. Thanks for the giveaway!
(Sally Hannoush 10:10pm August 12, 2013)

Thank you for the encouragement and congratulations!
(Chelsea Brooks 10:25pm August 12, 2013)

I appreciate the reminder that we should all persevere in the face of rejection.
(Janie McGaugh 10:36pm August 12, 2013)

Love the post :) Rejection is everywhere and it is nice to
have those reminders sometimes, especially the fact that it
only takes one yes!
(Erica Haglund 11:47pm August 12, 2013)

Congrats on braving through those rejection letters. You're right that rejection hurt but as you said nobody died.
(Kai Wong 10:50pm August 13, 2013)

Well done and I am glad you kept working and pushing. An overnight success usually comes after many years of hard work!
(Clare O'Beara 2:22pm August 14, 2013)

Writers need to write, so that I can read. Good for you for
not giving up.
(Mary Preston 5:26am August 15, 2013)

Thank you, everyone. Your comments have been fantastic!
(Cecy Robson 1:39pm August 16, 2013)

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