Tired of being rejected by publishers? Remember Frank HerbertAn Article by Chris Robley
I was listening to the Writer’s Almanac Podcast this morning and heard that it’s the birthday of Frank Herbert, author of the science fiction masterpiece Dune
Herbert is just one name on a long list of writers who found success after being repeatedly rejected.
Nearly twenty publishers told Frank Herbert “no thanks” after he’d submitted the manuscript for Dune.
Eventually Dune was accepted by Chilton, a publisher of auto repair manuals and an unlikely launching pad for a book that would go on to define an entire genre, sell over 12 million copies, and get made into a movie (twice).
So, if you’re feeling down, rejected, unsupported, or otherwise low about where you’re at in your writing life, try to remember that plenty of famous writers established their careers only after years of beating their heads against closed doors.
If you’re passionate about the craft of writing, it’s best to heed the advice of poet Todd Boss: “Never Give Up.”
How do you stay motivated and inspired in the face of literary rejection or “failure” (a dangerous word!)? Please let me know in the comments below.