Really Depressing

[Lindzy1954]

So, after an extensive rewrite on a children's chapter book (ages 6-9) and working with an amazing editor, the book is finally out on submission to several agents. Today, I got my first rejection on the ms itself (not just on a query). I know this will happen multiple times but it really stung today. The agent was very kind and said that the book was "fun and kid-friendly, but not something he would be the best person to sell". Not sure if that is personal or form but either way, it really put me in the dumps.

Sam Robbens, Hero-in-Training Book 1 "X-Ray Vision and Hamster Handshakes" complete 3600 words
Sam Robbens, Hero-in-Training book 2 "Mind Power and Super Poopers" complete 5000 words, unedited

[bclement412]

Aw it's okay. When I get a rejection, I just tell myself that every "no" is one step closer to that one "yes". It looks like you have a great manuscript to have an editor help you with it :) Good luck!

[SheilaJG]

Rejection feels terrible. I've gotten a few form rejections, and none of them said "fun and kid-friendly" so it sounds like you got something a bit better. That's encouraging. It sounds like you've gotten the story polished, so just keep sending it out till you find the right advocate for it.

Good luck! I love the titles, they sound like a lot of fun.

[Hedgetrimmer]

I second Sheila. X-ray Vision and Hamster Handshakes sounds like a hoot. So just keep working on it and sending it out. I've been writing since I was 14 and have collected two shoe boxes full of rejections. Add all the rejections I've received by e-mail and the number is absolutely staggering. But that's all a part of it. Someone once said, "A published writer is a writer who didn't give up."

[sissybaby]

I know it's a bummer, but that rejection letter says so much about you.

It says you had the initiative and the perseverence to complete a ms.

It says you devoted your time and your heart to your work, and took great pains to make it your best.

It says you had the guts and the grit to expose it to criticism by complete strangers.

It says you are so far ahead of many people.

And your reaction to it says you take your work seriously and believe in your story, or else it wouldn't hurt so much.

I know I'm not expressing this in the most poetic form, but know we're all here to support you and cheer your victories, and in many ways a rejection letter is still a victory. It says you've overcome many hurdles.

Not that we're cheering a rejection. But yay, you, anyway. for putting it out there.

Sissy

[Cyia]

Part of it could be your word count. 3600 is pretty short for a chapter book.

[Lindzy1954]

Thanks for the feedback guys, it has really cheered me up quite a bit. Plus, today is a new day right? I have been worried about the word count as well (it started up over 4,000 and was edited down) but have done research and found that there are other early chapter books in that range. The Horrible Harry series has a few books I believe that are like 3200 words each. I figured for this first book, it might be good to keep it on the shorter side so the reader could connect with the main character and hopefully, foster a desire to read more. The second book is 5,000 words currently but will for sure be edited down. What do you guys think is an appropriate word count for an early chapter book (6-9 years old?) Thanks everyone for such awesome responses, what a great community.

[Cyia]

Junie B Jones are quick reads, and I think in the 5000 neighborhood.

[Lindzy1954]

Hmmm, I posted a thread about early chapter book lengths so maybe that will bring in some additional ideas. Thanks guys, I guess if I needed to I could bulk up the book somehow or combine books 1 and 2 (really don't see that happening easily, plus I like the plot of both) if the length was really an issue.

[Angela_785]

Don't get down on yourself! Those comments are good news, but it sounds like perhaps you didn't target an agent who is versed in CBs. Research a bit more to find a good fit. There are agents out there who rep CB--it's what got me in the door at two different agencies.

[Lindzy1954]

Wow, Angela congratulations on getting offers from two different agencies! You must have been thrilled beyond belief. It's possible you are correct, that perhaps I have not been querying the correct agents. I am doing my best to be thorough with my research prior to submitting anything. I currently have a full out with Steven Chudney and Roger Williams, both of whom I think would be great. Chudney actually seems to have amazing experience with Children's Lit specifically, so my fingers are crossed. Thanks for the feedback - who did you end up with?