Celebrate my first picture book proposal rejection :-).
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When I was an interaction designer, there was a saying in the industry "celebrate your failer". I did not really understand why, but now I really like that approach. SO I am going to celebrate my first "No" from my editor.
Yesterday, I submitted my first completed picture book dummy to an editor (we had good work experience in the past, I just finished illustrating a book for her recently). Within 2 hours, I received a rejection via email with an in-depth critique on the dummy. I was so excited and I almost said "fantastic" out loud.
I was excited because:
- I finished a picture book dummy for the first time (a huge milestone for me).
- Someone professional actually read it and cared enough to write a thoughtful crit during her working hours.
Now I am back to the drawing board with revisions to do. :-).
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Thanks for sharing this with us, and for the healthy point of view. Best wishes for your work ahead.
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@xin-li that's awesome!!! Thank you so much for sharing this and kudos to you for your energy and spirit behind the hurdle.
Go forth and conquer the next one! Bravo!!!
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@xin-li With an attitude like that, you will go so far! I'm sure of it
I will remember this and aim to be more like this myself. Congrats on your dummy and getting that awesome critique! -
@xin-li A thoughtful critique is a close second to the manuscript being accepted
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Thank you so much. I don't think I will have developed this perspective without hearing fellow svs artists' experience and the support I got from you guys.
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Congrats! The feeling of finishing a picture book dummy is awesome (although I feel like they are never really 'finished', I am still revising dummys from three years ago!)
Instagram and Twitter: @eriberart
Website: www.erinmcclean.com -
@eriberart Thank you so much I know what you mean. I am only celebrating complete v1.
I have lost count a long time ago on how many half-baked story ideas die on my sketchbook without made its way to completion. -
Congratulations @xin-li!
Feedback is a gift, and it sounds like you’re enjoying unwrapping the present!
When I was rejected by an agent, I responded with gratitude and confirmed that I’m available should they later decide to work with me.
Thanks for sharing and wishing you continued success!
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@xin-li Congrats! Keep submitting it to other publishers. You never know...
But that is fantastic that they took the time to give you a critique.
I remember getting my first rejections and I thought "I feel like a real writer now!" Keep going!
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That's a wonderful approach you've taken and I agree -feedback moves us forward
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Nice!
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That's awesome
you're one book dummy and one critique closer to a book deal 
. Yay!!! -
That's a great way! Just wonder if you had your PB critiqued by other professionals, such as writers' critique groups or peer illustrators?
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That's great @xin-li ! Completing a book dummy is indeed a great achievement, but having it not only ready but critiqued by an editor gives a lot of validation to your potential, efforts and skills
Congratulations! You've definitely got the right spirits going! -
Getting a nice critique like that is actually amazing!! So congrats!!
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@xin-li thank you so much for sharing
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@xin-li It's great that you can look at this positively and you're right, they're both big achievements. Onwards and upwards!
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@xin-li I agree--your attitude is fantastic! And honestly, the best part was that you got an in-depth critique. That's extremely valuable! Good luck with your revisions and the next submissions!
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@xin-li That’s an excellent “no” to receive! Congratulations on getting it done and putting it out there. Your stuff is so lovely that I’m sure the near future will hold a “yes.” I cannot wait to celebrate that news too. Glad you are encouraged to go back to the drawing board. Good luck!
