Ahh, the subjectivity of this business. Don't we all hate it!
Actually, I have to say that I think the subjectivity of it all makes this an interesting place to be. Of course for you authors out there, this can be one of the most frustrating elements of the business.
It is important to remember that unless a story comes back from an editor or agent saying this is the biggest piece of you know what, the odds are it just simply wasn't right for them. It might be due to the voice they want at their house, or the story line doesn't work. You can't give up though.
Honestly, I read a lot of stories that are very well written, but there was something with the story that just didn't resonate with me. No, this doesn't mean a revision will fix it. It just didn't connect. This lack of connection will happen at all levels.
I have to say, I am very happy to say that Greyhaus has never received a rejection from an editor that said the writing was garbage. For that editor, the story simply didn't connect.
Unfortunately, this doesn't mean you can just keep firing it off to every other editor out there. This might simply be a project that you did that will be considered an excercise in your craft. It may never sell. So what, quit dwelling on it and get moving on that next project.
Scott
No comments yet? That doesn't surprise me. Every writer out there has felt the sting of rejection, and we don't like to talk about it. It's not personal. It's the business of publishing. Either way, it smites. Writer's angst, that's what I call it. After it's over and we've dealt with it in our own personal way, the only thing left to do is pick ourselves up and keep on going. Those books aren't going to write themselves. This carefully orchestrated post makes me wonder, so I thought I should ask. Is it ever difficult for agents to reject? Or is it just part of the job? Thanks for listening.
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