I wrote a novel, got an agent, and the novel was sent to
about twenty editors. One of these was
even Hosseini’s editor. I received these oxymoronic letters: the writing is
strong, or evocative, or lyrical or spellbinding, BUT it’s not marketable. How
could that be?
Okay, I thought, I’ll put it away and write another. That’s precisely what I did, and that’s
precisely what anyone out there who has faced rejection should do. Write another novel. Now this second novel will be your first, and
if it is picked up, will probably stand more of a chance then your first one,
which will now become your second novel.
With the experience of writing another novel, you can now face that
first one now dubbed “your second,” and make it stronger and marketable.
Maybe, just maybe, it’ll be better than your first. Why? You’ve gained much more experience.
Surely, you won’t have trouble beginning it, because all you’ll have to do is
read it over, make notes, and then revise it. Read it again and make final
changes. You’ll save yourself time,
emotional roller-coaster feelings of self-doubt, and be able to send your agent
that “second novel” sooner rather than later. How long did it take you to get
that final draft you sent out? Think of all the time saved! And if, like me,
your agent drops you, send the manuscript to more agents and publishers.
Of course, it helps if you have a terrific writing group
like the one I have to give you support.
It helps if you have co-authored: Writing in a Changing World--but if you haven't, you still can read it!
Available on amazon.com for $12.95 here:
m/Writing-words=writing+in+a+changing+world
There is no perfect writing—there is only re-writing. Deal
with it. Good luck.
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