Nothing, as a writer, stings more than a rejection letter from a publisher. Nothing.
Even though we focus more on editing here at Sage, we’re often asked the big why question by our writers. Why was I rejected?
To answer that question, we’ve collected a list of the reasons that we’ve come across in our time wielding the blue pencil.
- Submission wasn’t in line with the requirements as stated on the publisher’s website
- The manuscript was submitted to a publisher who doesn’t cover the genre
- Poorly written pitch documentation
- The manuscript is trying to latch onto an ageing trend
- The publisher has a full docket and no room for new work
- The manuscript is boring
- The manuscript is too complex
- The characters aren’t interesting
- Too much cliché
- Standing on a pedestal/soapbox/preaching a morality
- The writer displays an unpleasant attitude towards the publisher and their staff
- The word count is extreme
- The manuscript doesn’t fit with what the publisher wants for their company
- The publisher couldn’t get the book past their legal team
- The manuscript wasn’t able to win approval from all departments
- The cost to the publisher outweighed the benefits in publishing
- The publisher just doesn’t like it
Quite a list, isn’t it? But have you seen the hopeful side of what’s listed yet? That’s right – some of the reasons have nothing to do with your manuscript. A publisher is running a business, and their primary aim is to make money. They don’t come into work with the goal of loving your manuscript. They come to work to sell books and make money for their shareholders. For most publishers, personal doesn’t come into it, it’s all about the dollar.
And what about the manuscript-based reasons on the list above? Well, folks, that is entirely your problem, but bear in mind this; a publisher is not assessing your manuscript on an objective basis, they’re looking at it subjectively, and according to their own internal requirements. They are holding their lens to your manuscript. Remember, just because one publisher rejects your work doesn’t mean they all will. Perseverance is everything in this game.
There’s nothing you can do when a publisher rejects you for purely business reasons. If their schedule is full or they’re looking for something more specific than what you can offer, tough luck. Allow yourself a small pity party and then move onto the next publisher.
Sometimes, but not always, a publisher may indicate if your manuscript has issues. If they were kind enough to offer advice (not all publishers do this), then consider taking it. If they say it’s too long, then reassess the length. If they said the plot is too complex, consider revising. Their advice isn’t the be-all and end-all, but sometimes others can see what we miss.
Also, do yourself a favour. If you are rejected by a publisher, for whatever reason, don’t send your frustration back their way. Vent, rant, rave, etc., but not at the people who have the ability to topple your writing dreams. Publishing is a small industry in many ways. If you desperately want to know why you were rejected, send a polite email seeking clarity, then move onto the next publisher or consider revising your manuscript. Work with a developmental editor or have an assessment done. Join a writers group and find a writing buddy to partner your future efforts. Explore options at your local writers centre. Remember, you can resubmit your manuscript down the track. One publisher saying no is not the end of the world.
Don’t give up!