How Rejection Paved My Way to Publication

How Rejection Paved My Way to Publication

As writers, we all know the grueling experience of rejection. I have been rejected before … which led to feeling defeated, frustrated, doubtful and a little crushed.  But, if I had stopped pursuing publication the first time my book proposal was rejected, I wouldn’t have been able to publish my Mother-Daughter Devotional, which will be released this fall.  

Four years ago, I got the idea of writing a devotional about beautiful-hearted women of the Bible as I watched my girls wanting to imitate princesses. I thought, What if my girls wanted to imitate women in the Bible who loved the Lord and loved others and wanted to make a difference for Jesus? So, I began writing it and working on my proposal. I had no idea what a long journey to publication it would be, receiving plenty of criticism and encouragement along the way.

I remember getting my first big rejection laced with nice words from the editor. I had heard that when an editor actually gives feedback it is gold. So I wanted to focus in on the kind words said — but I couldn’t. 

I became defensive and laser-focused on what they didn’t like.

If I had remained in that place of defeat, I would have missed the editor’s priceless wisdom that eventually made my devotional even more creative and unique than it was. 

Once I exhaled my defensiveness and took a look at the constructive feedback from the editor, I began intertwining her ideas into my devotional. I saw how her suggestions made my devotional more applicable and unique – one of the big things’ publishers look for. I also attended the writing conference, She Speaks, which helped me with my proposal, writing and the publication process. 

I sure am thankful for that rejection because it eventually led to my devotional being published. 

Wherever you are in your publication journey, remember that rejections can pave the way to publication. And even though your idea might not be right for some publishers, it might be just right for one publisher. And, that’s all it takes.

Pour your heart into your dream, and as my dad always tells me, “Be politely persistent and don’t give up.”

Polite persistence is key in the road to publication. And, at the end of the day, when you’ve given your all, whether there is a signed contract or a manuscript in progress, give yourself a pat on the back. 

You are pursuing your dream, and that is to be applauded. Enjoy the process, the growing and the journey you get to be on. With a little polite persistence, you can overcome rejection and allow it to pave the way to your next publication.

Remember that a rejection isn’t necessarily the end, but could be the mark of something new and an even better beginning.

Blessings,

Linsey Driskill

As writers, we all know the grueling experience of rejection. But what if we saw rejection differently? It may be just what we need to point us towards publication. Here is how you can see rejection as a new beginning in your writing journey.

Linsey Driskill is a wife, mama to triplets, speaker and author. She’s from Atlanta, Georgia and now lives in South Carolina where she raises her triplets with her husband, Christian. She’s passionate about encouraging families in following Jesus and His Word, to love God and love others. Check out her book, Beautiful Hearted Women of the Bible: A Creative Mother-Daughter Devotional.

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  1. Charla Matthews: October 25, 2021 at 11:22 am

    “Be politely persistent and don’t give up.” That’s great wisdom from you dad. Thank you for not giving up! Not only are your words inspiring little girls with character that endures through women of God, we get the benefit of your experience and encouragement here at COMPEL!