If Rejected By A Publisher...

Above, Pearl S. Buck.

A Facebook friend with the same last name as mine (we may be related, but I don't know for sure) submitted a novel to a publisher who sent her a really nice rejection letter. It was quite flattering!

Although disappointed, she took the rejection with a good sense of humor by saying, "I'm going in the other room to scream so as not to scare the cats."

I replied with this little gem (source: The Writer's Handbook):

Remember, Pearl S. Buck's next novel after "The Good Earth" became a best-seller was also rejected. It happens to the best of us. Just keep plugging!

I know I've told this to several people over the years who sought a book deal.