Rejected Again? It May Be Your First Impression

One of my favorite quotes is from the Head and Shoulders Commercial: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Now, while this is often talking about the visual image you give to someone, it may also be the reason why you are getting rejections, despite the fact that your story may be pretty good.

Let's start first with some statistics from your standard job search market and then translate this to the publishing world and your submission packets. I did a quick search this AM on trends to get exact numbers on this. According to one survey, the researchers talked to over 2,000 hiring managers roughly 1/3 new they would or would not hire someone within 90 seconds of meeting that person. In another study, researchers found that employers knew within 30 seconds if the person even had a chance of getting hired. 

These studies also looked at how they read resumes. On a consistent basis, researchers found that recruiters often skimmed a resume for about 6 seconds. Now that many places have gone to automatic tracking systems or ATS, the algorithms were able to find or eliminate people at a quicker pace because of the words and phrases the utilized within their submission packages. 

I know what some people think. This is not fair. Employers are eliminating people without truly giving that person a chance. And yet, this is not a situation of being fair or not. This is a situation of natural human instincts. Add in the fact that employers are looking at a lot of people, the reality is that in the hiring process, they cannot simply say that they will devote 30 minutes or more to fully reading and getting to know those potential new hires. 

I would also add that while you might think it is not fair, you do the same thing all of the time in your real life. You make quick decisions about people in the grocery, on the street and even in church. 

So, let's talk about the publishing world and how you might really be hurting your own chances.

YOUR EMAIL

Surprisingly, your email says a lot. You may have created a really fun email address at one time. You were in college. You wanted something fun! Maybe you just wanted to set yourself apart from your friends and show your "personality." That's fine, but if it sends the wrong image, you may have just ruined your chances. sexybod@hotmail.net might not be the way to go. Why do you think so many authors have moved to using their name in their emails such as scotteagan@scotteagan.com? Looks a bit more professional. NOTE: THESE EMAILS ARE 100% MADE UP!!!!!!!

YOUR PSEUDONYM/NAME

So, you decided you didn't want the rest of the world to know you are an author (not really the smartest thing but oh well). Maybe you are ashamed to tell the members of your church you write erotica (OK, maybe that one might factor in). In any case, you have decided to go with a pseudonym. There is nothing wrong with doing this. However, if you are going by a name because it "reflects your personality" or "the style of your writing" you might be hurting your chances. Honestly, the biggest area I see this are the people writing fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, steampunk and so forth. In simple terms, if you name makes you sound like a freak, then maybe?????.....

Along the same lines, if you are someone who has decided to go with the single word name because, hey, it worked for Oprah, then again, you might be hurting yourself. Are you really at her level and status? Probably not. 

The same goes for nicknames. In this case, and yes this will sound stereotypical, it is often the men who do this. Your frat guys gave you a nick name, or maybe you earned it in the military Scott "Bucky" Johnson. You know what I am talking about here. There is nothing wrong with that name among your friends, but what message is this sending to the editors and agents? 

Here is a small one as well. If you want to write using your initials only (J.K. Rowling) that's fine, but when you write your letter to editors and agents use your name. It makes it a lot easier when writing back. "Dear R.L." or Dear Mr. Langston.

 

YOUR BOOK TITLE

Now let me just say to not obsess over your title. The odds are, it will change along the way. Still, if you have chosen a title that is awkward or sounds stupid, you will likely not get yourself very far. Keep it as neutral as possible. You write historical and decide to go with "The Sexy Squire and Voluptuous Virgin" might be a bit too over the top. 

THE BUSINESS LETTER FORMAT

Yes we talk about this all of the time, but is your letter professional. Does it look good? Does it give the right impression? Do you talk about your book and your writing career only? 

Honestly, I reject a lot of people when I start hearing things such as:

• I hope I get this right.
• This is my first time and I am still learning.
• My last three agents couldn't help me/
• My three cats loved the story

Or my single pet peeve of authors talking about themselves in third person. 

In the end, the best suggestion is to look at your submission material before sending it out. Would you hire you, without ever knowing you or your writing?