Why You Can Write an Amazing Book That Will Never Be Published
Listen to this episode of The First Draft Club:
If you’re querying agents for your novel or memoir and finding yourself stuck in a cycle of rejection, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions I get from writers at this stage is:
"I’ve gotten 30 rejections (or 50). Should I just give up?"
This question misses a critical point. The choice isn’t simply between pushing forward with exactly what you have or giving up entirely. Instead, it’s about understanding how to take your manuscript from “almost there” to undeniable. Here’s the hard truth:
A book that is 90% great will be rejected 100% of the time.
Why? Because in publishing, close isn’t good enough. But the good news is that you can close that gap.
Understanding Rejections: A Real-Life Example
A writer I work with recently received a rejection for her women’s fiction novel after a literary agent requested her full manuscript—a promising step in the querying process. Here’s what the agent said after reading the manuscript:
"For me, the base premise is just a little bit too similar to other books on the market. I wasn’t sure how to make it stand out in a crowd."
While rejection is always tough, this one was actually a positive sign. Why? Because the agent praised the writing and the story itself. The issue wasn’t quality—it was marketability. That’s an incredibly fixable problem.
Agents Don’t Lie
When agents provide feedback, they mean it. If they say your writing is strong, trust that it is. They won’t offer false compliments or vague encouragement like a well-meaning friend or family member. So, resist the temptation to read between the lines and create unnecessary work for yourself.
For instance, don’t assume that “strong writing” actually means, “I need to rewrite the entire book in a different point of view.” Unless an agent specifically suggests a structural change, focus on addressing the feedback they did give. Confidence is key here—don’t let insecurity lead you down a rabbit hole of needless revisions.
How to Close the Gap When Your Book Isn’t Landing
If your book isn’t quite landing with agents, the solution isn’t to give up—it’s to identify and address the specific issues that are holding it back. Here are the two most common reasons a 90% great book gets rejected and how to fix them:
#1: The Premise Needs a Twist
A story that feels too familiar or lacks a compelling hook won’t stand out in a crowded market. The good news? Tweaking your premise often doesn’t require a total rewrite.
Let’s look at an example:
Original premise: A wedding planner who has sworn off marriage after heartbreak has to plan her younger sister’s wedding.
Improved premise: A wedding planner who has sworn off marriage after heartbreak has to plan her younger sister’s wedding to the person who left her at the altar.
See how the second version adds tension and stakes? A small change can make a big difference.
Another example:
Original premise: A cooking show producer has to work with a difficult celebrity chef to save her failing network show.
Improved premise: A cooking show producer who secretly ghostwrote her mother’s famous cookbooks has to work with a celebrity chef known for exposing industry frauds.
By introducing a unique twist, you give agents (and readers) a reason to care.
#2: The Writing Needs Refinement
If the feedback you’re getting is about the writing itself, the fixes might involve deeper work. This could range from developing a stronger voice to improving pacing and storytelling. Here’s how to tackle it:
Hire a professional editor: An experienced editor can pinpoint exactly what needs improvement and how to achieve it.
Use tools for technical fixes: If the issues are grammatical or stylistic, services like Grammarly or ProWritingAid can help.
Seek targeted feedback: Programs like my Book Incubator pair writers with publishing professionals who can guide you through revisions and skill-building.
Rejection Is Part of the Process
Even the most successful authors face rejection. It’s a natural part of the journey—and it doesn’t mean your book is bad or unpublishable. What matters is your willingness to do the work and persevere.
Remember:
Agents don’t blow smoke. If they say your writing is strong, believe them.
It only takes one yes. Keep going until you find the right match.
Closing Thoughts
Rejection isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to make your book better. By addressing feedback strategically, you can take your manuscript from “almost there” to irresistible. And don’t forget, I’m here to help if you need support brainstorming a stronger premise, refining your writing, or navigating the querying process.
In the next episode, I’ll dive deeper into how to close the gap if your book feels 80% or even 70% great. Stay tuned!
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