Sensitivity and the writer hold hands. Authors bristle when agents send form rejections. They wonder why feedback or the reasons for the rejection fail to appear. Writers say they can handle it, they have thick skin, they desire the feedback.
Are you sure?
Understand this: Publishing will cut you apart and expect you to thank them for it. Handholding doesn’t happen. You can forget coddling. And most will never get published. Yes, it’s harsh. But it’s also reality. Dreams get bashed against the wall everyday in publication.
But realize the criticism or rejection doesn’t mean a rejection of the writer. It’s not personal, but too many writers take it so. When you receive a critique, realize the person took the time to do this. They’re attempting to get you closer to the best within you. And believe it or not—the best critiques are negative. After all, what can you learn if it’s all sugar and sweet? I know it hurts, but you pick yourself up and learn from it. It’s not the opportunity to vent, and there’s the reason why few agents give feedback because the amateur believes it’s appropriate to retaliate.
Don’t do it.
Agents, editors, publishers, and published writers have long memories. They’ll remember you if you decide to show your proverbial rear in a rage mail. That’s one door you don’t want slammed in your face. Be thankful, yes even if you disagree, because you never know when you’ll need help again. It’s a small world, and an even smaller publishing world. The hand you bite today might be the hand that would’ve given you a huge leap in your career tomorrow.
Never give up your writing or your dreams, but never take it personally and lash out. It will come back to haunt you.
Promise.
Wolfe
