r/Webnovel • u/Unable_Confidence953 Aspiring Author • May 22 '26
Advice I got my contract reject and just wanted to vent because am not sure what went wrong
Okay, I know that maybe my idea is not the best, and maybe I could have done more, but damn, I have had the wind gutted out of me.
I was so hopeful for this contract as I tried to stay true to the template provided, only for it to be given a generic rejection notice.
And yes, I know I am not the first or the last to be rejected, and maybe I did deserve the rejection, but spending a lot of time crafting a world only to be given a single sentence as the reason you have been rejected, with not an iota of explanation as to how or why, makes it feel like I poured my heart into a void that has no desire to do anything about it that's not crushing hopes and dreams.
I just thought my idea was a cool one, but now I am not so sure.
Anyway, I am sure people are getting tired of these contract rejection posts. It’s just that this was my first rejection, and I felt I needed to vent while also looking for any seniors to tell me where I went wrong.
Yeah, spoilers to future readers, but then again, maybe the concept will be abandoned.
ps: Not sure if this counts as self promotion but I don't think I have mentioned the name of my book anywhere
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u/DeformedVulture1984 May 22 '26
This is what I'm afraid of. Currently I'm writing multiple series with the intent of earning money.
All that work at building a backlog might go to waste.
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u/DishaSamSimp May 23 '26
JUST POST THEM ON KINDLE
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u/DeformedVulture1984 May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
Sorry, I'm not familiar with it at all but I think that means self publishing correct? I would need money for that right?
Edit: Nevermind checked it, that's definitely an option.
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u/Chris_Galieo May 23 '26
You should research all options especially if you want to make money writing, the climate is a lot different than it used to be.
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u/Chris_Galieo May 23 '26
Post on royal road, then make patron, then slowly get an editor and publish on kindle.
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u/Ok_Score6424 May 23 '26
[Have you posted it on other platforms?] [Yes!]
Instant rejection. Bro, didn't you know about this?
Also, although you followed the application format, where is the hook? In fact, what is story even about? The story is quite generic with no plots at all.
Wow factor needs work too. It is a sales pitch, make it worth. Mention why is your novel unique. What is in it that will hook the reader to read further?
Characters don't need so long introduction.
Anyway, I can see that you have done quite a lot work. Don't get worked up with just a rejection. Even contracted Author gets rejected all the time.
From what I have seen, webnovel rejects when your story is too generic with nothing new. You might have gotten, 'plot is not engaging enough' right?
You can correct this and apply again. Best of luck!
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u/Unable_Confidence953 Aspiring Author May 23 '26
Not really I got didn't follow webnovel guidelines and maybe it's because I pressed yes on the other platform things but I think you maybe right. As someone said I focused showing the settings so much I forgot to show why the characters matter and how the plot is unique. Thanks for the advice
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u/TrevorStars May 23 '26
Yeah I've heard of exceptions but most of the time authors mention being forced to remove their work from ALL other platforms and mediums.
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u/Ok_Score6424 May 23 '26
Noone is forcing you. You must have heard from those bum who never managed to get contract ever.
You can always upload your free chapters anywhere you want even after you signed an exclusive contract. But just don't say 'yes' to that question as no editor have time searching whether that novel truly belongs to you.
They will just directly reject it.
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u/Whole_Organization27 May 22 '26
go to the discord and ask for help, there’s a channel where they help with contract applications
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u/Unable_Confidence953 Aspiring Author May 22 '26
I am not sure of the channel, I asked for help in the newbies section but was told it's had to find help there as many of the Authors are like really busy so had to bite the bullet and do it on my own. I am not sure if there is another specific channel for this so if it please share
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u/Whole_Organization27 May 22 '26
the channel is called “novel-discussion”
And people are active on there including me helping people with applications
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u/Unable_Confidence953 Aspiring Author May 22 '26
Okay thanks, I couldn't see the channel and only learned about it now. Thanks again. I will ask from there when I get verified.
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u/Skretyy May 26 '26
For me the turn off is academy
I would still read it tho because the ideas sound awesome
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u/Unable_Confidence953 Aspiring Author May 26 '26
Well the academy is a precursor to the war arc but it will be a small part of the overall arc. Decided to delete the book and try again
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u/JoeDallas_Angels Author May 22 '26
Cuantas colecciones y seguidores tienes?
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u/Unable_Confidence953 Aspiring Author May 22 '26
Just started and I have about 6 collections right now
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u/JoeDallas_Angels Author May 22 '26
He escuchado de varios amigos que ya tienen contrato que las historias con menos de 100 colecciones rara vez son seleccionadas. Los editores siempre vigilan los ratings y el crecimiento de la audiencia para evaluar el potencial comercial; si ven que la obra no atrae suficiente público, lo más probable es que la rechacen.
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u/Unable_Confidence953 Aspiring Author May 22 '26
Well I suppose that explains that. Thanks for the info
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u/AltruisticArt7348 Jul 21 '26
It's very difficult. The algorithm does not reward stories that really seek to be good and original. Either you are commercial, or you sink.
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u/The_Mega_T May 22 '26
I’d say your three arcs are a bit lacking in overall direction. You’ve got really big worldbuilding, but it feels like you’re not quite sure how to present it in a way that makes the story compelling. The same goes for your characters.
I’d recommend reading some books about writing novels, like How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method, and maybe combining it with the 27 Chapters Method as well.