So You Want To Get Published?

My author friends and I often talk about the `T` word, the attribute that is required above all others when it comes to getting our work published...(no, not `talent,` that is a given): tenacity. Tenacity in the face of rejection slips; tenacity in the face of the nagging doubts in our own minds; tenacity when agents and publishers ask for revision after revision. Authors get rejected. I believe J.K. Rowling received 50 rejection letters for Harry Potter. So how best to deal with rejection? My top tips for submitting are: 1) Make a list from the Writers and Artists Yearbook of suitable agents and publishers. This is crucial. There is no point submitting a play to an agent who only handles popular fiction, for example 2) Follow their submission guidelines to the letter - don`t give them a reason to reject your work out of hand 3) Decide on a number of submissions each week and have your letters already written/addressed by the beginning of each week. That way they go out automatically and the process of submission becomes routine. 4) Don`t take rejection personally. Your manuscri pt was not right for that person at that time. 5) Pay attention to constructive criticism 6) If your manuscri pt is just missing the mark and you can`t `see` why, then have a third party read it and get advice(I offer this service, as do several reputable agencies) 7) Save all positive comments and read these often. Pin them on your wall. 8) Carry on. It works.