The Highs and Lows

Within 24 hours, I experienced the highs and lows of trying to get published.

I sent a query to an agent and within 10 minutes, she responded, requesting a partial. After I sent her the partial, she responded again and said she'd received my manuscript and would get back to me ASAP.

Last night, I took a look at this manuscript again and edited it a bit more just in case she asked for a full. Even though I've edited this thing to within an inch of its life, there's always room for improvement, right?

I had hope in my heart as I went to sleep, coupled with the sharp edge of reality that this could end in another rejection.

When I checked my email this morning, there was an email from said agent.

When I clicked on it and saw the words, "I regret...", my heart fell.

But it wasn't nearly as bad a crash as I thought it would be.

Why?

Because as the agent said in her very nice rejection letter, this is a highly subjective business. What one person likes another person will love. And that's what I want - someone who loves my work, is so behind it that she/he will do whatever it takes to sell it.

My cousin responded to my Facebook post about all of this and said something very revealing:

In my business we actually focus on how many no's we can get because with each one we get closer to a yes! This attitude just turns every no into a stepping stone towards success!!

I'd say that's a pretty darn good attitude to have.

Onward.