Rejection, Romance and Royalties: The Wacky World of a Working Writer

by Laura Resnick

Aspiring writers will learn the ins and outs of life as a full-time career novelist in this fresh and frank tell-all book from the perspective of one who knows. While most of these hopefuls will have no chance of becoming the next Stephen King, this book reveals that there is a real possibility for them to make a living from their writing if they put in the hard work, sweat, and tears. This guide covers the steps to getting published, getting paid, getting even, staying sane, and protecting one’s talent in this business. It even points out that prospective writers may not get to start in the genre of their dreams.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Laura Resnick is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author, the daughter of prolific science fiction author Mike Resnick. She was the winner of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction for 1993. She also writes romance novels under the pseudonym Laura Leone

Reviews

[Kalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartily recommended read for the ambitious writer, especially along with 500 Ways to Write Harder . ("Especially" because the styles of the two books complement each other: 500 Ways teems with profanity while Rejection is almost pristine ... yet both of them are funny. Makes for a good exercise in compare and contrast. ;)

For me, the three main strengths of Rejection are:

1. It's (wait for it) funny. And frankly speaking, if you don't find anything to make you laugh among the toils of the writing process, you were not cut out for it. ;)

2. It's personal: Laura Resnick provides a plethora of anecdotes from her own life and that of people whom she knows.

3. It's well-researched: In gathering said plethora of anecdotes, she has talked to a lot of writers. It's good to see so many names, even if only for the recognition of different contributions and experiences. (It gets even better when you realize that everybody does it differently. ;)

[Stephany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift in a fiction workshop two years ago (from a professor whose name actually appears in this book at one point...nifty!) and finally decided that I was going to give it a read. I know. I'm pretty on top of things, aren't I?

If you are reading this, please bear in mind that I've never read any works by Laura Resnick, so my review is strictly from the viewpoint of an aspiring writer, specifically one who can't very well pass up a free book (seriously...there's no risk if I don't enjoy it because, frankly, I didn't pay a dime). Happily, I did very much enjoy the essays in this book, and I thought they were very informative to boot. Oh, and did I mention humorous? Some parts are laugh out loud funny. I love when books make me laugh.

Resnick echoes much of the writing advice I've heard throughout my life, in particular, the focus on how difficult being a professional writer can be, but she does so in a very uplifting way. Yes, it's a tough life and you're going to get rejected. Frequently in most cases. But she says that No! You absolutely shouldn't give up if this really is what you want because persistence is very important. Personal aside: in the past couple months, I've had the sobering experience of my first handful of short story rejections and this book was cathartic in so many ways. I saw it a little like a 264 page pep talk.

For fans of Laura Resnick's published works, I'm certain that this book won't disappoint. It is a wonderful glimpse at the author behind those works as well as the struggles that have gone into putting some of her works into print. I know that personally, I like hearing about the lives of my very favorite authors, so I'm just guessing that Resnick's fans feel the same way.

Part writing treatise, part pep talk, part memoir, I think this book is a great pick for writers, for Resnick fans, and for people who just like reading about the craft of writing. Though I have never read any of the author's fiction before, I can say that I will likely give her books a good long look the next time I'm browsing at the bookstore.

[Adam Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book every wannabe writer should read. That's no rhetorical flourish - seriously, you want to write, you should be required to read this book first. Resnick's writing is repeatedly strong, and she addresses everything from the personality of a writer (so, so true) to horror stories about rejection, and dealing with editors and copy editors. Really, this is one of the chief values of the book. She demonstrates repeatedly (with citations and quotes from other writers) that the industry is rife with problems. Enough to reinforce any decision to move into indie publishing. Great stuff.

[Rian.J.Lloyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Essentially a memoir. Enjoyable to read once.

[Leda Frost · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read the first 1/2 through then skimmed the rest. I'm a writer (not yet published) so I can't speak to any experience in the publishing world (hence why I picked up this book) but as someone who has studied writing intensely and loves the work, I would never give this book to an aspiring writer.

It's basically a collection of horror stories. Every page that's meant to be funny I would have found wildly discouraging, if I was still able to be swayed from my professional course. God forbid someone who is new to writing get ahold of this book. It reads like a bunch of writer friends got together and spent the night lamenting over their experiences, each trying to one-up the other in the wildness and the humor of the scenario.

Of course I can readily admit that it's good for people seeking publication to have a deeper understanding of what they might be in for, but there's got to be a better, less vehemently discouraging, way to do that than this collection.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really should be 3.5, but I liked it overall, and am feeling generous.

Lots of good advice, if not slightly repetitive at times. The emphasis on romance genre wasn't easy for me to relate to, but hey ... it's her background! Can't say I bonded completely with her sense of humor, which veered in Catskills comedienne mode on occasion, but she made some great points having to do with Editors-as-Gods (in their own minds), and that sort of thing. There's a lot for aspiring writers to take away (there's no "right" way to write, it's as individual as fingerprints, etc.)

Also recommended as a humorous memoir for those who have no interest in writing themselves.

[Ellen Bard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny read about the realities of being a writer from someone who’s been making a living from it for years. These essays are enjoyable and down-to-earth, and cover many of the different aspects of being a writer, from how it feels to work with an editor, to how solitary it can be, to some aspects of the craft.

There was a little repetition in the book, and it did feel more like a collection of blog posts or columns than a cohesive book (which is fine), but it has much useful advice in. It reminded me a little of Kristine Katherine Rusch’s work on her blog (and subsequent books). It’s probably a 3.5, as there's plenty in here to get your teeth into.

[Angela Benedetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of great info in this book, and funny stories, and smacks upside the head, all of which are useful to a writer, whether published or aspiring. If you're a beginner looking for a how-to that starts at the beginning and goes through the elements of a story and the process of writing, though, this won't do it for you. (Although you should still get this, because you need to know what's in this book, even if it doesn't explain constructing a character or controlling point of view.)

Good stuff, I hope there's another one when Laura accumulates another book-size batch of articles.

[Unwisely · Rating 3 out of 5]

I happened to see this on goodreads, and my library had it, so hey. I occasionally read books on how to write, just in case I ever actually start, I guess.

This was a collection of her columns, rather than something like Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. As a result, there was some repetition of stories and themes, but overall it was an interesting read. (Also, I learned that I am clearly *not* a writer.)

[R.L.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of essays about making a living as a fiction writer had me laughing out loud and reading extended sections (when I could get them out without cracking up) to my critique group and long-suffering husband.

Besides being a healthy dose of fun, these essays were practical and encouraging. I’m currently borrowing my copy from the library, but I may just get one of my own. Yes, it’s that good. If you’re a writer, or even if you just need a good laugh, you might want to check this book out.

[J.H. Trumble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Resnick's book had me laughing out loud repeatedly!

I've only published two books so far, with a third in the works, but I saw myself on almost every page of this little gem. I highly recommend it for published writers and those who aspire to be published.

Just like Anne Lammott's BIRD BY BIRD, it's one of those books I'll turn to again and again when I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole process.

Go read this book!

[MB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every writer who ever has any self-doubt should read this book. It's not going to turn you into a better writer, but it will make you feel better about the crazy, solitary work of being a writer and trying to get published. And no, publishing DOESN'T make any sense. Even to working writers. :)

[Chris Eboch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of these essays will have you laughing out loud. Others will have writers cringing at the shocking and baffling problems that can plague a working writer. Among the horror and humor, Resnick offers some practical advice on topics like writers block and common writer insecurities.

[Michael Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Dave Barry giving writing advice (am I dating myself?), Resnick's book is a somewhat humorous collection of anecdotes focussed on reminding writers bad things happen, it's a career not a hobby, and the rewards aren't always greater than the investment. And yet we keep doing it.

[Julee Johnson-Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good advice--I love her voice and have met her and her father through science fiction fandom.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acerbic, humorous essays on the life and trials of a working writer. The raccoon story alone is worth buying the book.

Warning: may put some people off being a writer. :)

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with Bill Goldman's Adventures In The Screen Trade, this is one of the best books on what kinda life a professional writer goes through. A must-read.

[David Earle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent essays from a working writer. I've read it twice now and I fully expect I'll read it again soon. Funny, insightful, and heartfelt.