That’s more than just an Oops!

Someone actually asked me – ME – advice on getting published.  I told her what I know and directed her to a few places for more information, but really what it comes down to is persevering.  Getting published is way harder than writing the book. 

Even when you stupid book isn’t done yet.  But that’s anther post.

Anyway – on the note of perseverance, I give you this from my daily calendar.

It took Charlotte Bronte a while to learn the publishing game.  Her first novel, The Professor, was turned down by several editors.  Each time the manuscript was returned to her, she sent it to the next publisher without removing the rejection letter.  Soon it was circulating with a collection of rejection slips piled on top – not exactly a ringing endorsement for her writing ability.  No wonder The Professor was published only posthumously.

Oh dear, Charlotte!  Imagine how she must have felt once she figured this out.  Especially back then, when just mailing something must have been an exacting chore.  I can’t imagine.

Of course, she eventually figured everything out.  You know Charlotte as the celebrated author of Jane Eyre.