I’m a song writer and the
other day I received a very nice rejection letter from a record label. And it
actually excited me. Admittedly, a recording contract would have been a more
preferable scenario, but I did realized two important things: 1) I actually made public something creative
in which I spent a great deal of energy and 2) someone on the other end actually
acknowledged my efforts – even though the songs that I sent would ‘not be a
good fit for us right now’. It’s like that classic break-up line: “it’s not
you, it’s me”. As if somehow that
softens the blow.
So was it a waste of
time and resources to send out a demo package, only to have it turned down? Not
really. Now I know who not to send more
demos to (at least for a year or two). Of greater significance is the fact that I
have now taken myself out of the “ someday I’m gonna” column and put myself in
the “at least I tried” column. And maybe
the next column for me will be the “next best thing since sliced bread and the
Beatles” column.
In fact, I really need
to find some other labels to pester (it’s too bad stalking is not recognized as
a good career move). So now I’m a bit more energized and my hopes are once
again elevated to a completely un-realistic state – because I believe in my
craft, and in a world dominated by Justin Beiber and Taylor Swift, this
“50-something” guy is ready to take over!
Songs, books – they are
much the same (one of them just has a few more words). They both present a good
story in an engaging manner. A story that hopefully people will want to immerse
themselves in over and over again. A story that may take years to get into the
hands of the consumer. Sigh.
So, all you writers of
fiction and non-fiction – get busy. Prepare your best proposal and get it out
there. Move yourself straight to the “I did it” column and prepare yourself for
any outcome. And start working on your
signature for all the book signings coming your way, just in case.
And as the old time
radio preachers would say: “keep those cards and letters coming folks!”
Jim Hart
5 comments:
Still in editing stage - but when my memoir is the best it can be, I will do what you suggest. BTW old-time radio preachers would tell their listeners to put their hands on the radio as a touch point when they prayed. Put hands on computer (no buzz), just kidding. You are right, unless you send out those letters, no agent will know you exist. Have a blessed day.
A lot of "no thank yous" paved the way for my first "yes, please." Learned something with every one of them! Preach it, brother.
Each rejection...one step closer!
Or one note, depending on how you look at it.
Thanks everyone - your comments were much better than a reject letter!
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