... and on a positive note

It's no secret that I'm a bit of a Jam/Weller fan. A lot of my time this week has been taken up, as mentioned earlier, chasing orders, promises, features, reviews and sales, etc. Oh, the cruel irony as 'Running on the Spot' by The Jam started up on my Media Player after another frustrating phone call.

I was hoping we'd make real progress
But it seems we have lost the power
Any tiny step of advancement
Is like a raindrop falling into the ocean

... well said, Mr Weller.

I'm thick skinned now, I can take the knocks.
And it made me realise that even as a publisher, you still go through the same emotions as writers. So there is no difference in the great publisher vs writer hierarchy, really. We all get knock backs and face a constant battle - it really is how this industry works. You HAVE to stay positive.

Even John Blake has had his problems. I admire John for the impact he's had on the publishing world and this is a very interesting feature on him.

Competition rejections only mean that someone didn't get your work. If you believe in yourself and the work, it'll find a home.
Publisher/agent rejections? Same thing.
Keep passing it round, get feedback - there are loads of websites now where you can get feedback from other writers. Develop, improve, don't give up.

We'll be announcing the winners of our New Novelists 2008 competition very soon, and I dare say there will be a lot of disappointed writers in the region. Judgements are made on so much criteria... is it marketable? Will the story communicate to a large audience? Does it require too much work?
These are elements to bear in mind wherever you submit. But just because you don't get through, doesn't mean all is lost. Some may even make suggestions and ask you to resubmit, some may send you a more personal rejection (which means they did read it).

Unfortunately, we can't comment on any submission that didn't get through. This is because we didn't judge, but also because it isn't part of the project to offer that. And without touting for business, our editor runs a manuscript critique service at competitive rates, for those interested in feedback.

Keep the faith!

Stu