A few months ago, I sent my last query letter to an agent. I knew I wanted to get my work out there, but it was clear as day it wouldn’t be through the traditional way, so I focused on indie publishing.

As time passed, I got more and more excited about publishing my work on my own terms. I’m prepping myself for releasing my books sometime around September/November, and it’s been an amazing experience (working with editors, doing marketing courses, engaging with readers, growing a platform, I’m loving it.)

Today, though, I received one last rejection letter (remember my last query? Yup!)

It was a really nice form rejection, mind you, but still a rejection. And I couldn’t be happier.

See, today is also the day I beat my mailing list’s subscriber record.

Ever since I started giving out free stories for e-mail subscribers, I’ve been receiving encouraging e-mails from people who loved what I wrote. People who found me on the web, didn’t owe me a thing, and just had to tell me how much they appreciated my work. (You’re all AWESOME, by the way.)

How amazing is that?

No one can tell you, “You’ll never make it.”

No.One.

Just because an agent has rejected you, it doesn’t mean people will hate your work, or that your book sucks, or that you’re a bad writer. It’s a highly subjective business, and there’s no right way to publish anymore.

A rejection is an e-mail saying someone thinks your work isn’t good enough. And you know what? There are people out there who won’t like your work, just as there are people who will love your work. And that’s fine.

Just remember: an agent’s opinion is not the only opinion that matters anymore.