Dealing With Rejection
Dealing With Rejection as An Author
So. You’ve taken a deep breath, hit “send” on your manuscript submission, whispered a quick prayer to the publishing gods…
and now you wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Eventually, you start to wonder whether the publisher/agent has:
a) been kidnapped,
b) been swallowed by paperwork,
c) been hacked and didn't receive your email (maybe I should call them?)
d) read your book and hated it so much they’ve fled the country.
Let me stop you right there, bestie.
Because if you're submitted to traditional publishers there is one thing that you must not forget...
Not hearing back is normal.
Painfully normal.
Aggressively normal.
Traditional publishers and agents are drowning in submissions. And if you've recently submitted then you'll know that finding an agent or publisher that are taking picture book submissions is as rare as finding the best avocado on first pick.
Most don’t have the capacity to personally respond, not because you’re unworthy, but because their inboxes look like a literary war zone.
So. You’ve taken a deep breath, hit “send” on your manuscript submission, whispered a quick prayer to the publishing gods…
and now you wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Eventually, you start to wonder whether the agent has:
a) been kidnapped,
b) been swallowed by paperwork,
c) secretly joined a circus,
d) read your book and hated it so much they’ve fled the country.
Let me stop you right there, sunshine.
Because here’s the truth that every author needs tattooed on their soul (or at least on a Post-it beside their desk):
Not hearing back is normal.
Painfully normal.
Aggressively normal.
Traditional publishers and agents are drowning—absolutely drowning—in submissions. Most don’t have the capacity to personally respond, not because you’re unworthy, but because their inboxes look like a literary war zone.
What do my chances look like?
Most traditional publishers only publish 1-4 picture books a year.
It's true! I heard it come straight from the source itself.
One. Two. Three. Maybe four if they’ve had a particularly strong coffee that morning.
So if they reject your manuscript, what it likely means is that they simply don’t have capacity for your title.
Not: You’re bad at writing.
Not: Your story isn’t good.
Not: Take a year off to write full time and go crazy.
Just the simple reason that they literally cannot take on another title right now.
Or perhaps your title isn't for them and that's ok. Publishers all have a different kind of appetite for picture books. Some want steak and some want vegan. So make sure you are pitching to the right publishers.
What to do next...
"But they said no… what now?”
Deep breath.
Rejection is not the end. It is redirection.
If they gave you feedback - AMAZING!
This could be gold!
Use it. Polish your work. Level up like the resilient little author you are.
But if they didn’t?
Also normal. I've heard stories from authors who have had their rejection letter sent YEARS after submitting, and in one case, it was a rejection letter for a very well known, loved Aussie picture book... after it has been picked up by another publisher and was well placed on the best-sellers list. So... maybe some of them don't know a good thing when it's staring at them!
If someone told you “You’re going to get 20 rejections and then your 21st attempt will be a YES!”
You’d probably celebrate each rejection. Pop a tiny party popper and tick them off like a to-do list.
✔ Rejection #4… nailed it.
✔ Rejection #7… on fire.
✔ Rejection #12… unstoppable.
So treat it like that.
Every “no” is one step closer towards your “yes.”
But if you're experiencing rejection, take it as your sign to keep going, keep improving, keep refining those skills, keep reading, keep writing.
Or… hear me out…
✨ Stop waiting for permission and publish it yourself ✨
You don’t need a publisher to be a published author. You don’t need an agent to walk your book into the world. You don’t need someone in a tall building to give you a nod of approval. You can do it. Yourself. Like... right now!
Indie authors are changing the world of children’s books.
(and yes, I'm so passionate about this that I'm going to say it again)
Indie authors are changing the world of children’s books.
And your story deserves a seat at that table, too.
Tired of waiting?
If you're tired of refreshing your inbox like your life depends on it...
If you're tired of sending your story out into the void…
I can help you bring your book into the world yourself.
With my Self Publishing a Children’s Book Program, I’ll teach you how to publish your own beautiful book, keep all the profits (not the measly $0.50 average per book) without needing a traditional publisher’s permission slip.
Your story matters.
Someone out there needs it.
Let’s get it into their hands 💛
Thinking of self publishing your own story?
Check out Australia's most trusted self publishing program HERE
