"There is nothing to
writing. All you do is sit down at the typewriter and bleed." ~ Ernest
Hemingway
Though I believe that quote by
the famous Florida author is accurate, I don’t know that it is one hundred
percent complete.
If you really want to bleed,
submit your work to an agent or publisher. Although we need constructive
criticism and I appreciate every agent who takes the time to actually comment
on my work, it still hurts. Actually, it is downright painful.
As an author—and I know it’s
authors reading this blog—I know you’ve been there. As much as you hate the
standard rejection letter that rambles on the same, tired script, “Sorry for
this impersonal letter, but your project just isn’t the right fit for us. But,
opinions are subjective, so we wish you the best…”, it still hurts when you get
that honest letter. The agent that is not afraid of your backlash at how you
will someday be a super star—because your mom says so—and is willing to offer
you beneficial feedback.
I welcome these letters; with
every one of them, my writing has improved and will continue to do so.
And when my editor actually gets
a hold of my pages and tears them to shreds to make them better, I listen to
her suggestions, welcome them even. Because I believe in the end, it will only
make me a better author.
So, remember, when an agent
offers her opinion, take it in stride, learn from it, heck, even thank her for
her opinion. Who knows, she may be the one that listens to why you wrote what
you wrote and realizes you are an author willing to accept her ideas, and she
may even offer you representation.
Of course, self-publishing is
always on the table…then you don’t have to listen to anyone—wrong! You will
always have your readers. Someone will always have an opinion on your writing.
Get used to it and carry on
Carmen's book She Belongs to Me will release from 5 Prince Publishing in December 2011. Visit her at www.carmendesousa.blogspot.com for more insight into her writing and upcoming projects.
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