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#BNAkids - If you're nursing rejection blues, here's a quick story. Way back in the mists of time, I'd done quite well in a few competitions myself, and was asked to read for a fab competition both for LL and SL 1/8
In total, I read over 25 entries and I did my best to give as much constructive feedback as I could to every single one. Honestly? The quality was variable, but it broke my heart that I couldn’t vote YES to them all 2/8
Every single writer had poured their hearts into their work. Of course, most needed to sharpen their craft (we all do) but they were all on their way. I just hoped rejection wouldn’t floor them. 3/8
But one entry really stood out to me. Concept – tick. Voice – tick. Pacing – tick. There were just a couple of things I thought could be tighter, but honestly, it was better than 95% of the published MG I was reading. 4/8
I gave it my big thumbs up and maximum score, and it made the LL. Then one of the five readers said they just “didn’t get it”. So despite 4 other readers (and me!) all loving it, it just missed the SL cut. 5/8
Now, if you’re watching your plot points, this is the “everything is lost” point. That writer must have felt bruised and could have easily given up. Well, guess what, today I saw the BNA LL, and their title is on there… 6/8
And this is the thing about writing – I don’t think any book has ever been universally loved at first, and sometimes the numbers are against you, in comps, querying, or submission. 7/8
One person doesn’t love it? OK, then you miss out this time…But that doesn’t mean you’ll always miss out. Go back. Improve. Sharpen. Get help. But don’t quit. This might be your story next time. 8/8
