I’ve always been a writer. A closet writer. Maybe not a bedroom closet writer. More like an entryway coat closet writer. People that know me, know that I write. I wrote for my college newspaper, I’ve created company newsletters and written anniversary poems to send to clients and I maintain a couple blogs that don’t get nearly enough attention from me or readers. But I’ve never thrown my hat into the ring to REALLY be a WRITER… until this year.

I finished my middle grades fantasy manuscript. My gosh it only took a decade (or more?). I’ve let a couple of beta readers get a peek and give me feedback. I’ve learned that there’s a whole lot more to publishing than just finishing a story.

This month, I queried two literary agents. For newbies to the world of writing… this means I submitted some info about me and my writing project to agents that are in the business of getting projects sold to a publishing company and helping build the careers of writers.

They both responded with canned letters, ultimately rejecting my manuscript.

Ooof.

From the beginning of this journey, I have been reminding myself that rejection is part of my story. Rejection is part of my story, rejection is part of my story, rejection is part of my story.

Cat and the Hat was rejected 27 times. Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul was rejected 144 times. Rejection is part of the game.

When I got the rejections from these two agents, I felt a tad disappointed, but not surprised (Rejection is part of my story!). What I was however surprised about is that for a moment, I wondered if I’m good enough. If my story is good enough.

As an insurance agent, I quoted thousands of people’s car and home and boat and RV and life insurance. I absolutely did not close every sale. When a potential client walked away from my proposal, did I wonder if I was good enough? No. I didn’t. I was confident in myself as an insurance agent. I was in the business for 20 years and had plenty of time to hone my skill.

I’m new at this writing business. Will my middle grades fantasy manuscript get published? I have no idea. I do know that I need to keep at it though. I may need to weather the storm of a whole lot more rejections. And ultimately, I need to hone my skills. I am a writer. Published or not.

Rejection is part of my story, but with every rejection, I’m a little closer to an acceptance, a handshake, a contract, or an unexpected door that opens to my next step.