Rejection | Losing Confidence When Querying | Hope

The thing is… it’s unavoidable. We’re all rejected. All of us. And we keep on getting rejected. Picture a famous author. They’ve been published for years. Decades, even. Trust me, they’re still getting rejected. By movie studios, by foreign publishers, by book clubs. It’s the norm.
But the early rejections are so hard. I remember them well. When you’re in the query trenches (or on submission to editors) you doubt yourself constantly. Are the odds impossible? Does anyone really get discovered in slush piles? Will it ever happen?
To protect yourself (your mental health, your self-belief, your hope) a long-term view can be helpful. It’s tempting to compare your success, or the rate of your accomplishments, to those around you. You try not to do this but it still happens. And that can eat away at you. If you take an ultra long-term perspective you realise none of the traditional metrics matter. It’s the work that matters. Ideas. Drafts. Edits. Your joy when writing.
If we all focus on language and storytelling, rather than the noise, I think we’ll be more content. And that can’t be a bad thing.
Best wishes
Will

[@ginnythiels2613]

"Keep on finding joy in the work." I love that! Thank you for this pep talk, Will.

[@michellerichardson5086]

Thanks Will. I needed to hear this today

[@willdeanauthor]

It can feel so relentless at times. One thing that helped me through it (and I know it’s a bit of a cliche) is ‘you only need one yes’. Wishing you all the best.

[@nazaholicable]

I got a rejection response today but it was positive, and it left me upbeat because the Agent went on to say, "Unfortunately, it isn't one for me...there is definitely something here and worth pursuing elsewhere. Hope it works out for you."

[@willdeanauthor]

That’s a brilliant sign. One step closer. Wishing you all the luck in the world.

[@jezzer1969]

You’ve been a source of great advice over the last two years and very kind to me in the comments section previously. So thanks Will. I’m self publishing my debut in June. After spending the first 9 months of 2021 pursuing agents and gatekeepers to no avail. I just figured I could have written another idea into a first draft in the same time frame. So taking matters into my own hands I had a third party professional edit my manuscript. I’ve gotten legal permission from the real person mentioned in the manuscript to use their name. The cover is finished & I’m just getting the whole marketing campaign together. My wife does a bit of PR. So she’s gonna help me with that. I just think life is too short to worry about seeking approval. My problem is. If the book does do well, how will an agent tell me they can add value? If I prove my work can sell. Aren’t I better off just building a cottage industry? I used to play in an independent band. So I’m not phased by being a self starter. There does seem to be a few of these self published authors doing very well. Do publishers come around, or are they shunned like naughty children? For daring to question the publishing industry’s wisdom?

[@sunitathind8440]

Thank you for the advice, I find that with modelling and writing. I still try to not take it personally.

[@willdeanauthor]

You are wise. Thanks for watching.

[@shaunpearson7052]

Thanks for directing me to your page Will. Enjoyed this video! Great insight for me as my hope is to have a book published one day.

[@willdeanauthor]

One day I look forward to walking into a bookshop and buying a copy of your book. Wishing you all the best with it. Will

[@hollynicholls8882]

It looks like you're going through a hard time, Will. Are you ok? You have me on Twitter if you ever need to talk. You're my favourite Author & Person. Please stay safe and don't be afraid to talk. 😊

[@willdeanauthor]

I’m actually great! But thank you so much. Sorry if it’s comes across like I’m having a hard time, I’m not at all, I’m really lucky. This video was more about how we all lose confidence at some point and it’s totally normal. My tough time was querying (6+ years ago now). I still remember it so clearly! So no need to worry about me at all (but you are very kind - thank you)

[@magnumopus_india]

👏👏🥰🥰🎥🎥❤️❤️

[@justinemcgrath6720]

Thanks. I needed to hear this today. I recently received a rejection for a non-fiction work that I really poured my soul into. I felt and still feel quite heartbroken. Your words are so true and helpful. I will never give up! It just galvanises me. It might take me ten or twenty years or never, but I will keep writing and they can't take that away from me!!

[@willdeanauthor]

Keep going! Wishing you all the very best with it.

[@steveryback7669]

Thanks for this Will! I've been in a rut since May and still haven't managed to find the peace of mind to start my next book yet, but I've spent the last few months learning how to self-publish and plan to launch my first book in a couple of weeks! Already have book two ready too, so just a case of finding the motivation for the next one now... Do you ever have that form of writer's block where you feel like no idea you have is good enough to sustain you for the months of work if will take? I've completed three novels and am planning to self publish two of them, but I just can't seem to commit to the next project... Thanks for your support as always

[@willdeanauthor]

Congratulations on the forthcoming launch! Huge achievement just finishing a book - well done. I haven’t experienced writer’s block yet but I do have moments where I lose all confidence. I find working through it and being patient helps. Protect yourself and your writing time when possible. Wishing you all the best with your launch!