Katie Coleman, Senior Advisor for Translational Innovation at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“It’s been a minute but I will never get tired of seeing this box on my doorstep. Fun fact I don’t often share—I got my book deal on my 60th attempt.
Yes, 60 personalized queries, and rejections. Pre-chatGPT. Individually and painstakingly writen.
I was rejected via email. Via zoom. Via in person pitch events.
I still feel the embarrassment after a question about memoirs at a writers conference, where in a room full of people I had to stomach the feedback that my story was ‘just another cancer story’. The guy next to me also told me how lucky I was to have had cancer. That nothing traumatizing had happened to him, so he had to rely on skill—I had the easy path.
The feedback stung every time but I wanted to prove them wrong. So I kept iterating.
I was about to give up on my 60th attempt, after I was again turned down for the same reason. No solid audience or editors to pitch memoirs on illness.
But with nothing to lose, I pushed back and asked why. That led to an informal connection to an editor, who quickly requested the manuscript and extended an offer.
I signed my agent and editor the same day (highly unusual).
My book didn’t become an overnight sensation. It wasn’t on any best sellers lists (other than Amazon for a hot second) but my book made it to publication.
I was able to donate my book deal to help advance research.
I got to see my it on bookstore shelves, including widely distributed by Barnes and Noble and I got to experience recording an audiobook.
I heard from people around the world who felt a little more seen through it.
But my favorite part has been carrying a copy with me when I travel and sharing it with someone when our stories connect.
The real estate agent who became my number one hype-man, who sat next to me on launch day as I was headed to Boston to share this special day with one of my favorite labs.
The financial advisor whose family stories I think about often.
The woman and her 93 year old mother who shared beautiful vacation photos and stories the entire flight, who waited on the jet bridge to give me a hug.
The woman in the airport bookstore who I peek in to see if she is there, every time I’m passing through.
The contractor who after a wonderful conversation the entire flight asked if he could pray with me before we landed.
The dental hygienist who is the reason I add ‘hot air balloons at sunrise’ to my bucket list, who introduce me to her family while we waited at baggage claim on my first trip to Columbus. Still hoping to run into this woman again!
These stories and countless others rush to mind when I see that box hit my doorstep.
Worth every rejection. Every iteration and every time I stopped to question if it would all be worth it.
The best part of sharing my story, has been the beautiful stories, strangers, and memories it has connected me to along the way.
Maybe that guy next to me was right all along. While I would never call cancer a gift—I sure am blessed to have had these experiences.”
Other posts featuring Katie Coleman on OncoDaily.
