Rejection and how to handle it

[blackcoffee]

I've written a novel, finally, which I don't think I am capable of improving significantly (having had a few false starts over the past months and years). I am working on something different, but I don't think I can find it in me to write better.
So far I've had three or four rejections, the last one was very blunt and simply said 'not strong enough.' Where do I go now? Is it worth paying for an editorial opinion? I've had informal opinions and suggestions already, and I shouldn't really spare money for this.
The book is still out with a couple of agents but I am not holding out much hope. It does seem as if I should finally accept that I am not cut out to be a writer - few are, I know. That's what 'not strong enough' is saying, in effect, isn't it?

[belledechocchipcookie]

Thank you

[grumpypants]

Well done. Fingers crossed for you. x

[belledechocchipcookie]

A partial is usually the first three chapters. This agent only accepts postal submissions so it's great to have an email address for them (means I can save paper ).

[grumpypants]

hiya - yep, have usually done that, just wondered about what a 'partial' was! Good luck btw - this bit is horrid.

[belledechocchipcookie]

You have to look at their web site, most just ask for three chapters.

[grumpypants]

hiya. So, quick question - do you email and ask if you can submit, or do you send three chapters etc?

[belledechocchipcookie]

Thank you. I'd be very lucky to nail this one I think. Keep at it, don't lose faith. I did find it easier to go directly to a publisher, then to an agent. The first publisher I approached showed an interest so I said this in the initial email to the agents.

[blackcoffee]

ah, thanks IB, I may hold you to that! I bit the bullet and submitted again. Had my first rejection of this batch about 6 hours later (but it was a 'not taking on new clients' kind, not a 'your work sucks' kind, which cheered me up!) going to plod on chapter by chaper, also
hope your prayers are answered belle

[belledechocchipcookie]

I'm working through my monster, chapter by chapter. I've not heard from God yet, I'm assuming this is a good thing.

[ImperialBlether]

Let me know if you want anything reading. I loved doing that in my MA - we had a workshop every week and I found I learned so much from working out what others had done 'wrong' - it helped me a lot in my own work.

[blackcoffee]

I've been at it today like a dog with a bone
Just couldn't settle onto the next thing while this one was so near yet so far! feel loads better about stuff; more work to do, but I am confident I will be able to finish it and be happy that I've said what I wanted to.

[ImperialBlether]

That's fantastic, blackcoffee.

[blackcoffee]

Just want to update - have a clear idea of some positive changes I can make now especially with the main character - so am busy revising before I send off again! thanks everyone for your encouragement

[ImperialBlether]

Yes, you learn as much about writing when critiquing someone else's work as you do when you're doing your own.

[GhoulLasher]

Ach no worries at all...happy to help! Plus it helps me too...little bit of brain work!

[blackcoffee]

sooo helpful! thanks a million GL, you're a diamond

[belledechocchipcookie]

Thank you

[GhoulLasher]

Go on then Belle... I can't see me doing anything around the house tonight...not the way it's going so far!

[belledechocchipcookie]

Would you like to read my prologue Goul [cheeky cow smiley] (Please)

[GhoulLasher]

All read! I hope I'm of some use.

[blackcoffee]

yeah, you're right! Thanks for sharing your experiences, it's good to know I'm not alone in feeling this way. Good luck to everyone else, and hope there's some good news on its way to you shortly, belle
GL thanks, don't hold back now!

[belledechocchipcookie]

I hate waiting for 'the email.' I wait in hope, then when I open it and it's another rejection I feel . When I give up hope and expect it to be a rejection they only throw me a scrap. I'm currently waiting for god to reply, he asked for a partial which I sent on Wednesday. All you can do is keep submitting.

[grumpypants]

oh no - worst thing. i hate the whole checking thro a&wyb, seeing who will accept, making contact tc. sometimes i can do it, sometimes i just avoid the whole process.

[GhoulLasher]

I've PM'd you blackcoffee

[blackcoffee]

know what you mean gp! travelling hopefully and all that
i got quite blase about sending out stuff at one point but the nerves have come back with a vengeance.