Oof, rejection

My first significant book rejection came in the late 1970s when I was still a parish pastor. I had written a book of essays, poems, etc. which I submitted to MacMillan. It was accepted. I had lengthy talks with the editor about art work, etc. Being very excited, I told family and friends. Then there was silence from MacMillan. Finally, I reached the editor who told me that at a year end budget meeting they decided not to publish it. Very embarrassing and discouraging. He said, "Maybe will get you on your tenth book." I never submitted to them again, but twelve years later my first co-authored book (theme: mental health and healthcare) came out. Six years after that another co-authored professional book came out. Fifteen years later my first novel came out. In November of this year, my 11th novel will be released. 

Along the way, I had at least a hundred and fifty more rejections, but none more significant to me than the first. (When my 10th book was released, I felt a little extra satisfaction.)