If you, as an author, feel beaten down by several rejections, perhaps you have this image of an agent reading your submission:

(Agent sits down at computer, armed with a steaming cup of Uber Expensive Coffee.)

“It is now time to go through my submissions!”

(Agent rolls up sleeves and cracks her knuckles. An evil grin dons her face as she opens the first email.)

“Aha! I can write a form letter rejection! How I Love. Crushing. Dreams!”

Bwhahahaha!

Okay, maybe this is over the top. I used to write novels, you know.

But really, I hate that my office has to send so many rejection letters. Seriously. And you know what?

We are forced to reject excellent books!

And I have to turn down authors I’ve met at conferences. Authors I genuinely like and have a real connection with. Authors who radiate God’s love and want to serve Him. Believe me, those are the hardest rejection letters to write.

So just because an agent or editor rejects your work doesn’t necessarily mean your work isn’t good. Many factors that go into an agent’s decision. Quality of work is a biggie – but not the only factor. We have to consider, for example, our connections and the current market. We have to ask, “Can we sell this?” If we cannot, we aren’t doing you a service to offer representation.

Here’s one of the most helpful thoughts I’ve ever seen on rejection and I apologize for the fact I don’t remember where I read it. But here it is in my own words:

Rejection helps you eliminate that opportunity/person/channel/pathway and frees you to focus on the opportunity/person/channel/pathway that is open to you and your ideas.

So if your dream agent/editor/publisher sends a rejection letter, take a little time to grieve. Then move on. Keep learning. Keep improving. Keep submitting. See what doors God opens for you.

Your turn:

How many books did you write before your work was accepted by an agent, editor, or publisher?

What encouragement can you share?