Plot Twist: The Publishing Chapter Goes Wrong

It was done! 

The manuscript was complete.  I had worked on it for so long and was so proud of my work.  I looked like a male peacock, chest out and showing off my coloured train.  After much deliberation and second guessing myself, I submitted my manuscript to a publisher, hoping they would love the first three chapters I had submitted. 

After an arduous six week wait, I finally received an email.  They got back to me!  Wow!  This must mean something.  I had been on an emotional rollercoaster; it was as if I had bought a lottery ticket and was desperate for my numbers to be drawn. 

Over those weeks, I constantly wondered, what did they think of my manuscript? Did they only get three pages in and then throw it aside?  Or did they read it and then send it up to the next level for review?   I had visions of them sitting, reading my story over popcorn and soft drink, laughing at my submission, cackling, ‘Well, here’s another wanna be.’ What visions I conjured up in my mind during the, what felt like a lifelong wait, was ridiculous. 

All I wished for was my book to be liked, published, and if I was lucky, enough copies would sell to justify its existence.  Maybe even a favourable review in the local book club newsletter.

When the email landed in my inbox, I deliberately did not allow my eyes to wander to the preview window.  Instead, I took a deep breath and slowly breathed out.  I wanted to savour the moment. 

I opened the email.

The first few words…thank you for sending us your manuscript… oh, I knew those seven words.  They are almost the exact words used in a rejection letter for a job application.  My heart sank to my stomach as I continued to read the short email, which closed off with the finely shaped words… ‘though your story is very interesting, your manuscript doesn’t fit in with our direction at this time’. 

After sinking my sorrows with a tin of Milo and a glass of milk, I bucked myself up.  It was only the first publisher I had approached.

I’ll try again.

So, I sent it to another publisher and was knocked back.  I sent it to another and then another.

As humans, we are amazing creatures.  Through the evolution of time, we have learnt to remain determined, getting back up when we’re knocked down, and continually believe in ourselves. Positive mantras are drilled into our heads from an early stage: try and try again, never lose hope, just do it!  So, I kept trying, but eventually, even the most positive person lets the doubt trickle in. Cracks appear in your armour of faith, and being rejected continually makes you reconsider your ability. 

In my case, I decided that if my novel was crap, I needed someone to tell me.  I sought out a manuscript assessor.  At the time of opening her feedback, I was devastated.  However, I had two choices in that moment.  1. Eat her words and give up…or 2. reconsider what her words were saying, and they were telling me: work, and keep working! 

There are numerous tales in the ether of the industry about the number of books written by Stephen King that were rejected before Carrie, and even the number of publishers that rejected that novel, and there is the well rehearsed tale of how many times JK Rowling was rejected.  You rarely hear about the author who sought out a writing group to support their art, or a mentor they had and how they learnt to shape their story.  While many likely figured it out on their own, many would have benefited from the insights and guidance of mentors and peers.

So, I had two choices: self doubt and give up or hold onto that thread of hope and continue.   I chose to do what every human has ever done – I decided to try again.  The words of my father resonated through my mind: “Jay, this is character building”.    

When writing my novel, it has never been about succeeding in the eyes of others.  It has always been about achieving something for myself.  My journey of writing a novel has nothing to do with my friends and family exclaiming – Wow! Jay published a book.  They couldn’t care less.  They would be proud of me and excited to see my book in hardcover, but they know and love me for who I am.  The only person who will benefit from my book being published is me.

What I learnt when approaching publishers is that there are thousands of publishers worldwide.  This meant I had to think – who would I like to publish my book and who would like my story? I had to research whether my book would fit into the genres they publish. I knew I wanted to be published locally, and there were two reasons for this.  Firstly, I was drawn to the idea of being with a local publisher, even if it has international connections. I also liked the idea that an Australian publisher was connecting with my work.  

I also learned that publishers manage a particular genre(s) they are interested in. So, I had to ensure my story aligned with what they were looking for at that time.  Another key learning was that there are genres that take off globally - let’s say - Women Viking stories.  A publisher has released a book which has been extremely successful and is already in pre-production with a film company, so a number of publishers will get on the bandwagon.  Now, I’m not at all judging this method…John D Rockerfellar said, “It's not called friendship, it’s business”.  Publishers are bottom line people, and the time, money, and effort they put into publishing a book are the fundamental reasons for giving it the go-ahead.  They need to see a good return on investment, and if Women Viking Stories is selling, they will follow that genre.  So, I have learnt that navigating and understanding the submission guidelines is paramount. 

For every rejection letter I have received, I have reviewed everything I presented to the publisher.  The first three chapters, the synopsis/pitch, the covering letter, and even how I filled out the online form.  It is incredible the number of improvements I continually made upon each review.

Being rejected time and again takes a toll on the ego.  I questioned my ability to write.  I took every rejection personally.  I had put my soul into writing my book.  The investment I put into it – time, money, sacrifices – of course it was personal. But eventually I became circumspect.  Though hurt, I accepted that another publisher wasn’t interested in my idea.  What I had to do was hang onto my belief in my story.  I had to dig deep and consider – is it ready to be published, regardless of the time I had put in?   

My biggest takeaway from this part of my journey is that I should have had an assessor review my manuscript before submitting. That one small action would have allowed me to take a breath and do more work. 

In saying that, what that assessment won’t do is make any future rejections any easier.  I have to be prepared that even the greatest reviewer may love my work, but the publishers won’t.  I will then have to consider if no publisher wants my work, do I take a leap of faith and publish it myself.  This option is becoming a very lucrative and successful industry.

There are no wins in receiving a rejection.  There is no feedback provided or requests for other manuscripts based on genres you have written.  The wisdom I have acquired from being rejected is that it is about accepting it.  No questioning ‘why’ or feeling ‘unloved’, it was just a business decision, and perhaps my manuscript needs more work, or it will never be good enough. 

At each stage, it’s crucial that I keep moving forward. I take time to consider the next step, and whatever I choose, I mark the moment and move on. Every decision I make about my writing or anything else is valid.

Without hesitation, my first novel has contributed to my resilience.  It has taught me to be patient and, most importantly, to refine my craft. 

So, I will continue to revise my story, ensuring it reflects the love I have for writing.  I will continue my journey with the hope that someone will like my book and publish it.  But in the end, writing should be a joy, something that gives me the ability to express not only a story but also convey emotion, taking me to a place away from reality – a place I can escape to.