Why Your Book's Worth Isn't Defined by Publishers

jordyn enrile publishing Jun 07, 2024
sheet of paper, flower and coffee mug

By Jordyn Enrile

For a long time, people drew the most comfort from the press or publication houses endorsing their book as the best thing ever. However, what happens if your writing is not accepted by the right people? Is that supposed to suggest that there is nothing valuable about what you do as a writer? Not at all. There are even cases in history where we regard the most greatly loved and authoritative works as having their beginnings turned down by regular publishers.

One important thing to keep in mind is that publishing is subjective, just like any other kind of art. What appeals to one publisher might not appeal to another. Rejection doesn't always indicate that your work isn't good enough or that your story isn't valuable; it could mean that your manuscript didn't meet the publisher's current market priorities or specific tastes. It's critical to persevere and to keep sending your work to publications that might view it from new angles. Rejection is a regular part of the writing process, so keep in mind that it doesn't indicate your lack of skill or promise. Continue to hone your skills and look for possibilities that fit your objectives.

Nowadays, there are other ways to reach an audience outside of traditional publication. As authors, you now have more opportunities to interact directly with readers because of the growth of independent presses and self-publishing. You now have greater influence over your own publishing journey than ever before, thanks to the development of digital platforms and online distribution methods. In the current publishing environment, we can look into different possibilities and select the one that works best for our work. There are more options than ever to engage with readers and succeed in the business, whether via indie presses, self-publishing, or traditional publishing.

The voyage of your book doesn't end with a rejection from a traditional publisher; rather, it presents an opportunity to investigate other avenues for publication and establish novel connections with readers. Establishing a robust writing platform, interacting with readers on social media and blogging, and taking part in literary forums can all assist you in developing a readership for your writing, independent of conventional validation.

Your belief in the book's significance and your enthusiasm for sharing it with the world are ultimately the most significant factors in establishing its value. Rejection from traditional publishers becomes only a little setback on a longer path toward literary success if you're prepared to put in the work to get your tale in front of readers and you're confident in it.

Therefore, don't give up if you receive a rejection letter from a traditional press or publisher. Rejection is a typical occurrence for many accomplished writers, so keep in mind that it doesn't lessen the caliber or potential of your work. Above all, never give up on the power of your tale and embrace the road towards publication. You can also consider other routes to publication. Ultimately, the world is eager to hear your distinct voice.


Jordyn is a dedicated college student pursuing a B.A. in Information Science. Her passion lies in the exploration of the world of words and stories. Jordyn aspires to find her place in the publishing world, where she hopes to bring stories to life, while also working towards a career as a children's school librarian, nurturing young minds to discover their own literary adventures. Her spirit animal, the octopus, reflects her appreciation for the diverse ways creativity can reach out in various directions, embracing the wonders of the world.