Let the Games Begin
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Let’s jump in and talk about rejection. No, I’m not a fatalist, but as it is a rite of passage why not just discuss the heck out of it, eliminate the fear and move forward on our own terms? All rejection really is is an opinion without fact. Of course the more educated the opinion, the more weight it tends to wield, but for now let’s be content to tread in the shallower depths of the philosophical pool.
Rejection is on my mind because I’ve recently put myself on the market, hoping to find that special someone with whom I can share my thoughts and dreams, laughter and tears as we build, together, a happy and successful future. Before any of you ask, I did not put a personals ad on Craigslist, thank you very much; I am of course talking about my quest for a literary agent.
For any aspiring authors out there who find my flowery description of the author/agent relationship beneath them, I pity you. That’s right, I said it. Ask yourself how important is it to be a successful writer and then define what success means to you. If what you’re looking for is the ability to make a comfortable living as a full-time author, then the agent you select is going to play one heck of a significant role. Your agent is your partner on the path to literary stardom so choose wisely, Grasshopper.
Assuming you’ve done your homework and receive offers of representation from only the “good” agents, the ones with the proven track record of success, et al, who’s to say they’re all going to be right for you? Some people take the Oscars approach to this: it’s a thrill just to be nominated. To that I would say, “Is it?” Is it enough to simply pull from the grab bag and hope for the best? Even if pickings are slim and you aren’t bombarded with offers, should any agent with a decent resume be deemed acceptable?
I believe in surrounding myself with the best possible people at all times. As my standards are quite high, my circle tends to be small: if needs be, I am not afraid to go it alone. Others, however, are more inclined to date anyone who agrees to show up for the sake of having someone to sit with in the restaurant. Don’t be that person! This is your career we’re talking about- show some spine and take an interest. Be proactive and ask questions: is this person really passionate about your work and does he/she really get what you’re trying to say; is this person someone with whom you feel comfortable, available to answer questions without pawning you off to one of his/her “people;” would this person be someone with whom you communicate well and has the courage to tell you the truth even when it isn’t pretty? If you aren’t satisfied with the answers to any of these questions, why even consider partnering with such a person?
This brings us back to rejection- no, I didn’t forget. Rejection sucks, yes, but it’s a fact of life so get over it. The trick is to not take it personally: these people don’t know you, so why give them the power to make you feel bad? Look at it this way: if for whatever reason an agent passes on your work, consider it a good thing because that person obviously wasn’t inclined to sell your work with the enthusiasm it deserves. It’s the difference between, “I’ve got this manuscript… I don’t know, maybe you’ll find it interesting” and “Put down the salad fork. You have got to read this story!” After dedicating so much time and effort into creating your masterpiece, is settling for representation that is only so-so going to make you happy? Always remember that you are in charge of your career. Of course you’re going to want to be published, but how low are you willing to go to get there?
