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The Steve Laube Agency

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Home » Rejection » Page 4

Rejection

A Picky Reader

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 11, 2014
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Having a book rejected by an agent or editor is puzzling, especially when the agent or editor have stated they are seeking just what we’re offering. Almost every day, my office must decline books that should be a fit. Usually the reasons are concrete (too long, too short, writing doesn’t sparkle, insufficient platform). But sometimes we’re just picky.

I’ve touched on this topic in the past, but thought it worth visiting again because as a reader, I have rejected many recent general market novels. For example:

1.) I didn’t bother at all with a book whose characters’ story was based on what I view as a stupid decision. I don’t want to spend my time reading a book solely about the consequences of a decision I never would have made. I suppose another expression is that I don’t suffer fools gladly.

2.) After five chapters, I realized that there was no way I could relate to the characters. I lost interest and quit reading.

3.) After three chapters of another book, I just outright didn’t like the characters. They were arrogant and self-absorbed, so much that they (and maybe even their creator) didn’t realize it. Granted, many excellent books feature unlikable characters but for me, the plot wasn’t intriguing enough to keep reading.

4.) In yet another book, I found myself skipping most of the words and could still keep up with the story. I quit reading.

5.) I didn’t bother with another book where reviewers revealed that ultimately, the story was a celebration of a lifestyle that I believe is opposition to Christianity.

6.) Another story had a great premise but the execution proved boring to me.

7.) Still another volume proved that the book reviewer’s writing was much more witty, engaging, and charming than was the book itself. Disappointing.

So there you have it — my personal rejections of published books. Published books giving great pleasure and enjoyment to many other readers.

Takeaway value of this blog? When one agent rejects your work, another may find your story just right.

Your turn:

Have you been rejected by agents, only later to find an agent who loved your work?

Have you quit reading a book for any of the above reasons?

Have you stayed with a book you initially didn’t like? Were you glad or sorry?

I think most readers are just as picky as I am. Do you?

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Category: Book Business, Book Proposals, Craft, Creativity, Get Published, RejectionTag: Rejection

3 Reasons Why Rejection is Good

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 28, 2014
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I’ll be the first to admit that rejection doesn’t feel good, so how can it be good? Well, a rejection: …allows you to close the door and move on to the next opportunity. …shows that the other person doesn’t share your enthusiasm enough to be your partner. Learning this allows you the freedom to find the right partner. …may be a sign of God’s will. His …

Read more3 Reasons Why Rejection is Good
Category: Career, Get Published, RejectionTag: Rejection

And Another Thing, Your Baby is Ugly

By Dan Balowon February 4, 2014
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Have you noticed how much of public and private discourse so quickly moves from a simple disagreement to a personal attack?

I was attending a sporting event not long ago and the people sitting around me in the stands seamlessly moved from displeasure how their team was performing to calling the players, coaches and referees all sorts of names that had nothing to do with how they …

Read moreAnd Another Thing, Your Baby is Ugly
Category: Book Business, Craft, Dan, Get Published, Rejection, The Publishing LifeTag: Rejection

Five Myths About an Agent’s Rejection

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon October 31, 2013
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1.) The agent hates me. Unless you approached her and said something along the lines of, "You and your kids are ugly and you have lousy taste in manuscripts," a rejection shouldn't be personal.

But if you are worried that you unintentionally offended an agent or other publishing professional, take action. Email to let him know you have been worried about why you may have been the cause of …

Read moreFive Myths About an Agent’s Rejection
Category: Book Proposals, Conferences, Craft, Get Published, Rejection, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Agents, Get Published, Rejection

“The Great Unspoken” – Why Agents Don’t Critique

By Karen Ballon December 5, 2012
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There’s a secret agents and editors share. Something they seldom discuss with each other, and never with writers. It’s something they dislike. Intensely. It ties their hands when it comes to guiding writers guidance. It’s the #1 reason they turn down proposals, and the #2 (and sometimes #1) reason they’ve gone with form rejection letters. It’s something many inexperienced agents and editors try to …

Read more“The Great Unspoken” – Why Agents Don’t Critique
Category: Book Proposals, Craft, Get Published, Karen, Writing CraftTag: book proposals, Critique, Rejection

Handling Criticism

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon October 11, 2012
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Recently I received criticism about myself. I didn't like it. Like all humans, I prefer praise. However, the points made were from someone (not connected to the publishing industry) I know has my best interests at heart, so I stepped back, tried to review the criticism without emotion, and I hope I learned from it. I can say I learned enough to take steps to improve.

Our writing lives are …

Read moreHandling Criticism
Category: Get Published, Rejection, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Criticism, Rejection

Writing to Market: Bad Advice?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 10, 2012
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Throughout my career I've seen various responses to the advice that declares "Write to market!" In other words "write what sells" because that is what is most important for a writer. Is this good advice or bad advice?

It is both.

Here is when it's bad advice: When you're made to feel you have to write a certain type of book just to break into the market, any market.

If you think, for …

Read moreWriting to Market: Bad Advice?
Category: Book Business, Get Published, Marketing, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Marketing, passion, Rejection

The Mystery of the Slush Pile

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon April 19, 2012
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When you submit a manuscript or query to an agent, you may wonder what happens to it, and what our thought processes are regarding the properties we offer to represent versus those we must respectfully decline. Every agent is different, but you may find learning about my process helpful.

I have a very smart assistant. When she reviews my slush pile submissions, she goes through a winnowing …

Read moreThe Mystery of the Slush Pile
Category: Agency, Book Proposals, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Proposals, query, Rejection, slush pile

Fun Fridays – April 13, 2012

By Steve Laubeon April 13, 2012
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The Rejection Letter Generator Become used to receiving rejection letters from agents and editors. Test your own mettle. Develop immunity to snarky comments! Go to this site and fill one of the seven forms. The Rejection Generator Project I guarantee you will be rejected within seconds. So much better than waiting weeks for our agency’s evaluation. Here is a sample of the rejection letter I …

Read moreFun Fridays – April 13, 2012
Category: Fun FridaysTag: Humor, Rejection

News You Can Use – April 3, 2012

By Steve Laubeon April 3, 2012
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The Spirituality of Rejection - Chris Able asks "Can rejection be good for you?"

In Case You've Been Asleep - The Harry Potter franchise is now available in ebook form on the Pottermore web site. It will be interesting to hear sales data if they are willing to share.

Twelve Blogging Mistakes to Avoid - Jeff Bullas gives great advice.

15 Twitter Hashtags That Every Writer Should Know …

Read moreNews You Can Use – April 3, 2012
Category: News You Can UseTag: blogging, ebooks, hashtags, Rejection, Twitter
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