One Down -- Infinity To Go!

I got my first rejection to "Grief Shadows" yesterday. And I'm actually pretty excited about it.

I know that may sound weird to non-writers, but to me it's just bringing me closer to the person who will say 'yes.'

Also, this rejection letter wasn't formulaic in the slightest -- that could get a writer down. Form letter rejections are depressing in their anonymity. So, below I am proud to post a copy of my rejection letter.

What I especially liked about it was the concrete suggestions about what I could do to make another agent say, "Yes."

Platform.

And while she said that I was doing all the right things, I still just didn't have enough of an audience yet. (Another magic blessing of a word from an agent -- proving they believe in you and your story.)

So. "Go Me!" I've got the proposal already out to three other agents and the Willamette Writer's Conference is in August and I will re-pitch it there. Forward Momentum!

~

Thanks so much for sending your proposal. The writing is strong, and your words are compelling. Unfortunately, it's not enough. Especially right now, especially for memoir, author platform is critical. Don't get me wrong. You're doing all the right things, but the audience you're reaching isn't quite big enough at this point. I'm sorry. I know that's not what you want to hear. In order to sign someone today, I need to know that they have an established audience, and from all the positive things you list in your proposal, I just can't see that the size of that audience-the people you're reaching-is large enough to come out to buy the book. I wish it weren't that way. It's hard to even give that message to you, but it's where we are at this point in the industry, particularly with memoirs.

I wish you the best in finding the right home for Grief Shadows. Keep at it. The work is good. I wanted to know what was going to happen next, and that is huge. That is the hardest part and really can't be taught to an author, so you have a way with words, to be sure.