Any one who has gone through the journey of trying to become a legacy (traditionally) published author has faced rejection, rejection, rejection. Most of the time those rejections come as a non response. You're left wondering did they read it?
Or a form reply... Decline, decline, decline, decline because your writing is not as good as theirs or hers or his or mine.
But sometimes, rarely, only twice for me you get a personalized rejection. It's still a no. Still a I'm sorry, we'll have to pass. However, it has personalized feedback. You get to have the mini-celebration that someone valued your idea enough to at least read your work. I just received one of those "(some-what) happy no" letters last Friday. Here's what it said:
Ms. Bemiss:
Thank you so very much for your query. Unfortunately, Back Then is not quite right for us, so I am going to pass. I understand your impetus for penning this story -- so much to pass on to our children. Yet, in this very tough picture book market, I am afraid I feel Back Then would get lost. Although a few things made me pause, mostly I worry that there is very little room for the illustrator to work his or her magic and interpret the story visually. Given how subjective this business is, I am sure there are others who will feel differently. Best of luck as you continue to make those connections.
Wishing you much success on your journey,
M.Z
I am so thankful for this feedback. Hopefully this is just one more rejection on my way to acceptance.
I do have a somewhat exciting update on my Hockey story... The Nashville Predators are considering selling this story next year through their foundation. So, it's still not a yes... but not a no. I would donate the sales to their foundation and the Monroe Carell Jr. Hospital. Keeping fingers crossed.
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