You Only Need One Yes
Lessons from the Path to Publishing Conference by Rise Writers
This week, I was reminded of a powerful truth: you might hear a thousand "no's," but you only need one "yes" to change everything. This message came through loud and clear at the Path to Publishing conference run by Kristen McGuinness. Kristen has a wild story (her father was one of the biggest marijuana smugglers of the 70s and 80s) and an incredible knack for writing.
The conference brought together professionals from all corners of the publishing industry—editors, journalists, agents, and publishers. Each shared insights that reinforced the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection.
My agent, Stacey Glick, was one of the panelists. My search for a literary agent took only a few months and less than a dozen rejections. At the conference, I learned this is far from typical—many aspiring authors spend two to three years searching for representation.
What’s my secret? Well, it isn’t a secret at all. I tapped into my network. I told everyone I knew I was looking for a literary agent. Many of my friends and former colleagues introduced me to their contacts in the industry. They were willing to do this for me because I always showed up for them and because they trusted that I'd be prepared and professional in my interactions.
When Stacey and I first met, it felt like a serendipitous moment. We instantly connected, sharing a love for food and travel, the experience of raising girls, and a belief in the power of the universe. Stacey puts books into the world to help people live better lives, and she saw that potential in my story. Our connection was further reinforced when we arrived at the conference unintentionally twinning. It was a moment that felt meant to be.
Stacey was my one "yes."
The conference was filled with stories of persistence. Alix Strauss, a lifestyle journalist and award-winning author, shared that her current pitch has been rejected 37 times. Yet, she remains undeterred, "Just because someone says no, doesn't mean they're right." Alix's resilience paid off recently when an article rejected by one section of the New York Times was embraced and published by another.
Her story gave me hope. I've been pitching to magazines and newspapers all summer, facing a sea of rejections and non-responses. If today's "no" leads me to a life of publishing success, I’ll take it!
The conference also offered a glimpse into the challenges agents and editors face. Diana Ventimiglia from Hachette Balance revealed that it's common to have 30+ pitches in her inbox. Each pitch can be upwards of 100 pages. That’s a lot of reading. Every agent is busy and must move on if you don’t capture their attention in the first paragraph or two. There isn’t enough time.
There's a legend about John Updike that teaches an important lesson. Updike penned a short story and shared it with friends, who all agreed it was great. However, he faced universal rejection when he submitted it to magazines that typically published his writing. Updike reportedly waited two years, changed only the title, and resubmitted the story again. This time, the response was dramatically different—universal acceptance. This tale is a reminder that determination can be your most powerful tool. Updike may have benefited from the simple reframing of the story by only changing the title. Or perhaps it was a case of too many pitches in the old inbox (or mailbox), and they hadn’t even read past the first line.
At the conference, Stacey shared insights on crafting the perfect proposal, much of which I’ve heard from her (and others) as I’ve been immersed in this world. Initially, I was writing a memoir, but Stacey advised that memoirs from non-celebrities are a tough sell. Despite my powerful and timely story, my book needed a different approach. Other experts at the conference echoed her advice, going so far as to say, "Take the word memoir out of your pitch."
My book is now a narrative nonfiction work interweaving my journey with the rich tapestry of reproductive rights and women's healthcare throughout history. The goal? To inspire readers, showing them they're not alone in their struggles. They are the struggles that women and hopeful parents have faced throughout history.
Michelle Garside, a brilliant branding coach, provided a game-changing perspective. She pointed out that my brand, Fly Bravely, is fundamentally about grief and rising. This debut book focuses on rising after the grief of infertility and loss, while future works could explore rising from other life challenges like infidelity or breast cancer.
As I gear up to finish my revised proposal, I'm bracing myself for a sea of rejections. However, I see each "no" as a stepping stone to improvement. I aim to transform those "no's" into constructive feedback, refining my work until I hear that life-changing "yes."
Publishers take note: my book is a powerful blend of personal narrative and historical exploration. It's designed to resonate with those directly affected by infertility and loss and with readers passionate about history and societal change.
Reflecting on the conference, I'm struck by how a single "yes" can change everything. Whether it's finding the right agent, securing a publishing book deal, or getting an article published, that one positive response can open doors and launch careers.
So, to all my fellow writers and dreamers, keep pushing, keep improving, and keep putting yourself out there. Remember, you only need one yes. And when you get it, it will be worth all the no's that came before.
Words of the Week:
Below are my three favorite quotes from the conference. The first was inspiring. The second made me laugh. The last is something to strive for.
“I really believe that people have stories to tell and people can feel validated through somebody else’s story. Books can help people feel seen. Not enough people are talking about their stories.” - Diana Ventimiglia
“My email is an AOL, but that’s a vintage thing.” - Alix Strauss
“Writing is “spirit work” the more you open yourself up the more beautiful it becomes.” - Kristen McGuinness
Photo of the Week:
On my walk back to the subway from the conference, I stopped in my tracks, captivated by a ghost sign I had never noticed before. These faded remnants are a reminder of the businesses that existed long ago. This particular sign was for the Horn & Hardart Automat in Times Square, which operated from 1912 to 1977 when a Burger King moved in. Further research revealed that the automat concept met its final demise in the early 1990’s as fast food chains superseded the vending-machine dining model. Intriguingly, a young entrepreneur, David Arena, is determined to bring the format back. I hope he does—I’d love to experience it!
Marathon Fundraising: Running for a Cause
I'll be running the NYC marathon this November in support of Resolve.org. With two months to go, I'm thrilled to share that I've raised nearly $1500 of my $3500 goal. A heartfelt THANK YOU to all who have donated—and extra thanks to those who have shared their personal stories with me. Your support means so much to me.
Resolve.org is dedicated to making family-building more accessible to all Americans, and their work has never been more critical. This week, the Senate will be voting again on the Right to IVF Act, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at expanding medical coverage for IVF and protecting providers from criminalization.
With recent legal challenges potentially threatening access to IVF treatments, your support can make a real difference in protecting reproductive rights and family-building options.
Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps. Even a $5 donation can make an impact when we come together.
Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page on social media or with friends and family who might be interested in supporting this cause.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the upcoming Senate vote and consider contacting your representatives to voice your support for the Right to IVF Act.
Your support doesn't just help me reach my marathon goal—it contributes to Resolve.org’s crucial work in advocating for family-building rights, especially at this critical time when IVF access is under attack.
Thank you for your invaluable support. Your contributions, whether financial or through spreading the word, are deeply appreciated and make a significant difference.
You are one of the most determined people I know. You have never taken no as an answer and have always found a way to keep going. Your tenacious way has inspired me to keep trying. Yes yes yes
You were a talented gifted child and have grown up to be a spectacular woman. You have important mission. 💕💕💕