"Big name publishers only publish Big Name authors! They're only after the money! They don't know everything; look at the names they've 'rejected' that are now big-time sellers. They won't even read my first page and it's good! A first timer doesn't have a chance and must self-publish if he wants to see his work in print - it's not fair!"
Well duh. Where did you get the idea they were Charity Publishing For the Poor Unread Authors? Of course they're in it for the money. How do you think they became a Big Name in the first place? By only publishing good work.
When it becomes known that a famous author's first book was rejected, it gives the rest of us encouragement to keep submitting, and it becomes our mantra, "so and so was rejected too, and look at him now." Doesn't it? Well, think about "so and so" for a moment. Did he immediately submit to another publisher or did he go home and let someone else read his book? Did he ask, "I want to publish this and need honest, in-depth critiques. I'm more interested in publishing than I am in my Ego. My Ego will be soothed after I'm rich and successful."
Do you think maybe he cut and changed a few things here and there to tighten the prose? Do you think he, I shudder to think of the backlash I'm going to receive for this, but, do you think he revised? I'd bet a million he did some work before submitting it to another publisher; but that wouldn't fit into the mantra, would it? Self publishing has its place, and there are good authors to be found there. I'm not putting down their worth to those of us who only want a few books for family and friends. Specialty books can be sold through our local churches or schools. A good self-promoter might even sell through a local book store if the book gives a good first impression; if its written well for its audience.
If you're looking to sell your book to strangers and other living human beings, in other words, the public - be aware. There is some very bad stuff mixed in with the good, and a buyer that wastes his money on only one piece of non-edited, non-reviewed junk writing will never do business with that seller again. One bad apple gives all a bad name - you know? Don't let that apple be your book.
Self-publishers will gladly publish your work for gasp! money, but they will not proofread or edit. WYSIWYG, and the blurb and cover may be fantastic, the content may or may not be. Do you really think they're not in it for the money? Your money?
Big Name Publishers actually read the first paragraph - at least. Don't whine about them not telling you why it was rejected; your 'why' is probably right there in front of you. Once you accept the hard fact that your story just might not be finished, take a deep breath and let go of your Ego. Ask for honest, in-depth critiques and then read them.
In-depth reviews may be full of negativity and are not famous for being nice, but if you truly want to join the Big Names, you'd better take advantage of them and quit whining about your hurt feelings. No one can make you a better writer, but there is help along the way. The ball's in your court.
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About the Author
Harriet is an author on
http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers. Her portfolio can be found at
http://www.Writing.Com/authors/storytime where she is a reader reviewer
