Nothing stings like having your manuscript, your heart….your (dare I say it?) baby rejected over and over and over again. When you can’t get a book contract, it feels like having your guts ripped out through your nose and laying them in front of a steamroller. If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you know exactly what I mean.
Rejection is no stranger to me, thus the reason I’ve blogged extensively about how to overcome rejection and beat the rejection blues. Helpful though it might be to know the logistics of how to deal with rejection, sometimes the hardest part is realizing that the message that burns in your heart is staying right there—inside you where no one else can be inspired or changed by the truth you want to share.
If you dig deep into your motivation for writing, you might be surprised to see there’s a theme that runs through your works. If not a theme, a truth you want to share or a cause that matters to you more than your rejected books themselves.
Think about that for a second. Why do you write? What is the deeper truth you want to share?
If you’re drawing a blank, that’s ok! You can skip this blog post and read the next one 😉
However, if you know there’s more to your writing and you realize that even if you never land a book contract you still have a message to share, then listen up! You still have ways to share your writing…and your message.
What to Do When You Can’t Get a Book Contract
Start a Blog
Let’s just put the most obvious ones out there first. If you want to share your heart with readers, nothing beats starting a blog! It’s your corner of the net where you can share your heart without a gatekeeper. Not only that, it can help you develop your writing skills, make connections with others who share your interests and work on the discipline of pumping out some word count.
Indie Publish
Again, this is an obvious solution for someone who wants to publish a novel and has the skills and resources to make it happen. Now more than ever, indie publishing is gaining respect and an ever-growing share inside the marketplace. If you’re determined to get your book out there, make sure you do it in a professional manner or you’ll regret it later!
Non-Fiction Opportunities
Even if your heart is to write novels that inspire, seeking out non-fiction opportunities might tide you over until you find a publishing house that shares your vision. Consider submitting to magazines or large websites that cover the topic that’s close to your heart. It may not be as satisfying as sharing what you love through characters and story, but it may help you build a loyal following for the day you get The Call.
Opportunities Outside of Writing
Now trek with me here….I know that writers need to write. But you can find ways to connect with others that aren’t directly writing related. Join forums or organizations (online or in person) that are all about your favorite subject. There may be opportunities to use your mad writing skills for newsletters and smaller blogs on topics that matter to you!
If you’re running into one brick wall after another in the publishing world, take heart! You can still share the Special Thing you have to offer. Start thinking creatively about what you really want to share and why, then find ways to do it.
A rejection from a publisher does not mean the end of the road for your work. With some creative thinking and a little research, it just may be the start of something bigger.
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