When we’re done denying our creative rejections and passed through the anger stage, we might start bargaining.
Maybe that editor isn’t a total idiot; he must have simply overlooked the best part of my manuscript. My writing group isn’t out to get me (probably); they just didn’t understand my story.
You might be tempted to open negotiations with an editor who rejected your manuscript and try to get him to acknowledge its obvious charms. You might try to defend your story to your critique partners, explaining what’s not on the page, why your main character changed their personality, what the disappointing ending really meant.
The truth, though? You’re going to sound a little whiny.
No editor enjoys rejecting a manuscript. Nobody wants to get into a confrontation during a writers’ meeting. This doesn’t mean we can’t discuss our writing, including intentions, problems, and solutions. Understanding what you meant to convey – but didn’t – is a key step to improving your craft. But we shouldn’t begin these discussions with the goal of dragging our peers over to our point of view.
Frank discussions about craft with your peers is a meaningful gift that many writers don’t get. Relish them, but don’t approach from a defensive posture. Greet them with generosity, grace, and gratitude.