Traditional publishers’ decisions about which manuscripts to accept and which ones to pass on can be mystifying to writers.
Sure, there are a few things that seem to tip the balance in favor of “yes,” like loud events, likeable characters and a plot that pulls readers constantly forward, making those pages turn.
Yet vast numbers of well-written books with all those qualities wind up in the “pass” pile every day, leaving authors to second guess themselves and to feel confused, dejected and downright depressed.
In case it can help anyone climb out of that dark place, I thought I’d share a letter I received last week from the 19th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards committee. Of the many thousands of submissions it receives, the committee selects just 5 finalists and 1 winner. Not having been one of them, I’d long since forgotten about my entry (sent in last April) when this feedback arrived from “Judge # 46:”
On a scale of 1 to 5, which 1 meaning “poor” and 5 meaning “excellent,” please evaluate the following:
Plot: 4
Grammar: 5
Character development: 5
Production quality and cover design: 4
Judge’s commentary:
“This is a strong and solid work of commercial fiction focused on one woman’s struggle to accept the seemingly perfect existence she has while pining for a very different, more personally satisfying life. A conventional storyline has been given a creative and engaging treatment here, with compelling insights into the main character’s motivations and desires. The contrast in settings, veering from Provence to suburban New Jersey, forms an interesting juxtaposition, and enables the author to flesh out some widely differing characters in a sympathetic way. Physically the book is appealing, with a pleasant cover and well-designed interior.”
So why didn’t it make it to the “finalists” pile? Five finalists out of thousands is a tiny number for sure. Probably a similar ratio to those accepted by traditional publishers. But beyond that — like with so much in publishing these days — your guess is as good as mine.
Bottom line: If you find yourself in that “no thank you” pile, don’t waste too much time second-guessing yourself. Onward!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats, Sharon. I think every little bit of positive feedback is validation that we’re moving in the right direction and to carry on!
I’m just beginning to learn to relax a little and let it go when it comes to writing feedback. I think you’re so right that one of the best things I can do is stop second-guessing everything so much and just keep moving forward. Great advice! And congrats on your great feedback from Writer’s Digest!
So much of the writing life involves mystery, and your experience pinpoints one of the biggies. On one hand there’s the elation of receiving the comments from Judge #46, but then, okay, what the heck???? And that’s a question we don’t often receive an answer for. Clearly, you didn’t NEED these comments of validation to move forward with Veronica’s Nap, and yet how cool that they did eventually make their way to you!
Several years ago I sent a manuscript to an agent I was hoping might be interested. It took nearly a year for her to finally come back with,”It was a tough decision, but sorry …” Several days later, when I was preparing to send the returned manuscript out to the next name on my list, I found a note stuck between the pages that had been written from a 1st reader to the agent. The note was long and detailed with all the things she loved, loved, loved about my novel. It was brilliant enough to make me nearly forget that in the end it had been rejected. Why? I’ll never know, but that note has been on my desk ever since
I was rejected recently on something unrelated to writing, but didn’t get freaked out. I reminded myself there are other ways to be involved. As you said: Onward!
The right book at the right time in the hands of the right agent or editor or judge. Part of me thinks its somewhat random – with odds in your favor, albeit slight, if you actually wrote a great book or sent out a lot of queries or entries. Some people send a handful and get what they want — but again I think it’s a bit about timing and careful choices and numbers.
Wow–that’s great feedback! Congratulations. And yes, always keep moving forward. So much of art is utterly subjective, that trying to figure out why something is accepted and something else is not is crazy-making.
Wonderful feedback! And frustrating. I’m glad that you are able to move forward, despite the crazy, subjective market where we must try to find our in place! I hope I can be as brave as you.