Good News and Even Gooder News
First for the Good News:
I received a rejection letter from Bethany House Publishers.
Huh? How is that good news?
It is good because it was the most encouraging rejection I’ve ever received. Many publisher rejections come in the shape of a form letter. Very generic. Very impersonal. No feedback. Often a writer has no idea why her idea’s been rejected. Bad writing? Bad idea? Bad jokes?
Not this rejection. For once, I’m pretty sure it isn’t because of me OR my bad jokes. Here’s an excerpt:
“…I love your proposal. I honestly do. It has all the ingredients that a publisher can look for in a book: it’s well-written, thorough, informative, concise, and engaging. Your idea is strong, and made stronger by the fact that you have lived through very tough times.
There is only one thing you lack, and it’s not your fault: A strong platform. Ten years ago, we probably could have taken a risk and published your book; but today, in this brutal publishing environment (and I do mean brutal), there is no way I could get your book approved by out publishing committee. I know I am being blunt, but you deserve that. I respect you, and thus, am being as straightforward as I possibly can be.
So what should you do? Keep knocking on publishers’ doors. Just because we can’t do this, doesn’t mean another publisher wouldn’t….”
And then he goes on to list a few more viable suggestions. Fabulous!
I was totally prepared to spend the next few years building my platform (that’s publisher-speak for access to a large audience, like having an established speaking ministry, having a radio show or a blog that has thousands of subscribers—no pressure), when about 12 hours later, I got THIS from Moody Publishers:
“A few days ago Randall Payleitner from our staff handed me a copy of your proposal, which he picked up at Jerry Jenkins’ writer’s conference last month. I had a chance to review it yesterday and am intrigued enough to send it to our women’s team publishing team for review.
As you’ve noted, the downside is there are a good number of books out there on this issue, so the competition to get noticed in the market is formidable. But you write well that it’s at least worth giving them the chance to consider it…Having passed through the first review phase is a real feather in your cap because the majority of proposals we receive never make it this far. So please be encouraged! There’s a spark to your writing I trust the Lord will continue to use for His glory. Good for you!
Can I just say….AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!
Oh Sandy, I hope I'm the first to comment on this post. Way to go! I know the rejection wasn't something you wanted but it really was uplifting. They recognize your talent so that's great. They could have just sent a form letter but they took the time to tell you why.
Have you heard of Terry Whalin? He's local in my area but represents many writers. I could email you info if you're interested. Google him and check him out.
Love you and will keep praying,
Debbie
Both of your letters from the publishing companies were written with such thoughtfulness. I LOVE THOUGHTFUL PEOPLE.
Don't you just wonder what God is stirring up and where you special book will end up!
I can't wait to see.
I say congrats! Hey, I know that the Lord is going to open that door WIDE open when the right person gets ahold of that book. Just keep giving Him the glory and He will direct your path. So proud of you! Way to go! (this is the cheerleader in me) 🙂
Wooooooooooooohooooooooooo!
Bouncing up and down on the couch! Woo hoo!
Don't give up on your dream! People need this and I know it will get published.
Love you!
Amazing!!!
This is awesome news. Thanks for letting us learn right along with you. You DO have a spark to your writing. That's why I read your blog and will number in those who can say "I knew Sandy when…"
Joy!
yaay sandy!!! yaay God!!! (not necessarily in that order ;))
you go, girl. pave me a way!! love you much and celebrating this tonight!!
Yippee & Yeee-Haw! That's Texas for Yay and congratutlations! Thanks for letting all of us share in your journey! Love you and just couldn't be prouder of you, girl!
so excited for you, sandy!!!!
yay God! keep us posted. 🙂
So thrilled for you! And I agree at how thoughtful the letters were–what a great encouragement to you. Can't wait to see what happens next!
YEEE HAW!!!
Fantastic, Sandy!! I am jumping up and down for you right now. It's just one step closer for you. I'm thrilled.
And when you come to Chicago for the pub. review board or whatever they call that when you sit around a table with everyone throwing questions at you, I will take you to lunch somewhere really swanky and we'll celebrate.
So happy for you, my friend!!!
YeeHaw!!!! Very excited girl! I will continue praying.
Paula G.
Sandy, that's so good to hear (well, you know what I'm sayin'!) For what it's worth, I would choose your book over someone else's because of your humor and writing style. Your blog has top appeal on my list!
Woohoo! I'm so happy for you! As rejection letters go, that one was pretty awesome.
You done real good work, girl! There's a big YES coming your way soon.
God bless you!