What normally should have hurt like a bullet ripping through my flesh, only caused me to flinch and sigh. I did not even make it past the first round in the novel contest I entered. (see An Adventure with Amazon)
I am thankful for my copy-editor, a fellow Professional Writing major, and for the rest of my mock-publishing squad. Through their tips and edits the errors of my work were revealed to me. The author, no matter how long the manuscript sits aside, will not catch everything. I ripped that manuscript apart over Christmas break and here, about two months later, fresh eyes are pointing out things I would never have seen.
It is the process of my copy-editor's hard work and the many things I've had to do (synopsis writing, back cover text writing, cover designs, pitch writing, and editing) during this mock-publishing process my professor is guiding me through that has enabled me to resist the disappointment that always accompanies rejection.
I am imbued with a fresh sense of dedication. That dedication pushes me to polish this manuscript close to perfection. It does not push me to obtain perfection because I know perfection on earth is impossible. Also, the perfectionist author cannot compete in the fast pace of today's literary market.
The author who looks upon his/her book with a critical eye is able to resurrect dedication from the grave of rejection and disappointment.
“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” — Ken Robinson
ReplyDeleteThat's a great quote! I am definitely archiving it. Thank you, Oli.
ReplyDeleteGreat perspective to have! Lessons should always be learned from hardship and disappointment. Good luck in polishing it up. Always stay focused and determined and you will go far!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words of encouragement, Lena. Focused is exactly what I intend to be.
ReplyDeleteI love that last line. It really brought the point home.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kristin. I'm glad you enjoyed the blog.
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