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Maybe Your Writing Isn’t Good Enough
How “Positive” Affirmation Hurts Querying Writers
Querying is a humbling process. Understandably, querying writers look for ways to process rejection, which exacts a psychological and emotional toll, but some writers don’t just cope, they rationalize. These writers need to face the possibility their writing just isn’t good enough.
The “Perfect” Writer
There is a sizeable segment of querying writers whose coping revolves around the assumption that the writer is perfect the way they are. They’re unique, their writing is unique, and they shouldn’t have to compromise. The right agent will “get” them.
“I got my 50th rejection today. That just means I’m one rejection closer to a yes!”
No, what that actually means is that you’re ignoring the ineffectiveness of your query letter. If you don’t troubleshoot, there’s a good chance you’ll be looking at another 50 rejections.
“I’m obsessed with my WIP! I can’t wait to find the agent who sees how special it really is.”
Being all in on your manuscript is natural. Wanting to find an agent who appreciates your manuscript is natural. But coming to the premature conclusion that your WIP is fantastic is a recipe for failure.
