Turning Rejection Into Resilience: Proof That Dreams Don’t Need Permission
By Kay Bratt
If you’re familiar with the traditional publishing world, you probably know the nerve-wracking experience of submitting a manuscript to your editor and waiting on tenterhooks for their response. You may even know the sinking feeling of receiving feedback that says, “It’s a good story, but not for us.” I’ve been publishing books with my publisher for more than a decade, and they’ve helped me build a solid writing career that I’m grateful for.
In 2022, when I submitted a new story called Hart’s Ridge, I was eager to hear their thoughts. I was particularly excited because this story represented a small departure from my usual women’s fiction. It blended a true crime element with the small-town world and the deep family connections I love to create. In short, it straddled the line between women’s fiction and small-town mystery.
When the rejection came—or as they call it, “a pass”—I was disappointed, to say the least. I believed in my story and the potential it had to launch a series full of rich storylines already forming in my imagination. My career has largely been built on my traditionally published books, and while I had dabbled in independent publishing, I hadn’t invested much time or energy into those projects, and their financial success had reflected that.
But this time was different. I could have very well done with it what I have done with my other rejected books from my publisher—get it edited, commission a cover, and put it out there with the usual half-way launch that I could give it. Then get to work on something else to submit to my publisher. Instead, I sat down and decided to give this indie project my all. Within a month, I had outlined the first set of eight books, complete with characters and plots that carried my hallmark style: emotionally driven stories centered on growth and connection.
I also decided to try something new—a rapid release strategy. The first four books would be released one month apart, with subsequent books further between. With this plan, I dreamed of being able to really make a bestseller using the indie route.
When I launched Hart’s Ridge, book one, two years ago this month, I put it into Kindle Unlimited and started with a single Facebook ad at $20 per day, with stacked ads debuting it at 99 cents for five days. With my ad doing well, I quickly scaled up, reinvesting 40% of my daily earnings into the next day’s ad budget.
Before long, I was in over my head and I partnered with Mal Cooper of Writing Wives for ad consulting. Mal not only taught me how to fine-tune my ads but also gave me the confidence to experiment and to dig into analytics. I discovered I had a knack for creating compelling visuals on Canva and crafting ad copy that resonated with readers. Narrowing down the winning combinations became an unexpected joy. I found I do not and never will have a head for the analytics.
But adding to the success of the launch strategy with KU and Facebook ads, to my surprise and delight, the book struck a chord with readers who, like me, love emotional, character-driven stories with a touch of mystery—but without excessive gore or racy scenes.
Book two was also a hit. And book three. But ouch, readers didn’t like book four, Resilience as the plan, I didn’t let that stop me. I kept going, learning with each book what my readers want. As I wrote these stories, I was also navigating several family crises, and my readers—especially those in my private group—noticed how much of my life I poured into the pages.
If there’s a “secret sauce” to this series’ success, it’s that raw authenticity. Writing has always been my therapy, and through my characters, I worked through problems between sisters, parents, and adult children in ways that felt deeply personal.
Now, exactly two years and eleven books in the series later, it has earned nearly $1,000,000. Book twelve is currently in the works and as long as my readers keep asking for more Hart’s Ridge, and the results/ROI make sense, I’ll keep writing it. I’ve also discovered with this project that I love coaching other authors, helping them get their books back and up and selling, teaching them marketing.
I’ve listed author coaching as a possible retirement job if and when I tire of publishing. Lastly, this journey has reinforced a lesson I’ve always known deep down: resilience doesn’t come easily, but it’s woven into the fabric of who I am.
Coming from humble beginnings to becoming an author with over two million books sold, I’ve learned that success is a blend of grit, creativity, and the unwavering support of my chosen family. For those who’ve stood by me, cheered me on, and shared in my triumphs, you’ve taught me an invaluable truth: dreams don’t need permission.
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A Small Town with Big Secrets
In the quaint town of Hart’s Ridge, Deputy Taylor Gray is a force to be reckoned with. From clawing her way out of poverty and foster care, to achieving her dream of being in law enforcement, Taylor is determined to make a difference in her community. But when a five-year-old girl named Molly walks into a gas station alone and barely speaking, Taylor’s determination is put to the test.
As she delves deeper into the investigation, Taylor discovers that even the most idyllic towns have their secrets. But this time, the stakes are higher than ever before. With a true crime element woven into the narrative, the search for Molly’s missing mother becomes a race against time to stop a predator before it’s too late.
As Taylor navigates the twists and turns of the case, she also grapples with her role as the unofficial caretaker of her fractured family. With a heavy burden on her shoulders, she’ll stop at nothing to piece them back together and find justice for those who can’t speak for themselves.
Join Kay Bratt in Hart’s Ridge, the first book in a thrilling new small town mystery series that will leave you on the edge of your seat. With a compelling blend of heart and suspense, million-copy best-selling author Kay Bratt delivers a captivating tale that will keep you guessing until the very end. An utterly addictive true crime inspired mystery perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Mary Stone and Melinda Leigh.
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Category: Contemporary Women Writers, How To and Tips
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