Feeling Despondent
I could do with a little bit of advice, please, or some encouragement as to what to do next.
I have to be careful with how much information I provide here because I don't want to give myself away.
Last year, I entered a callout for Fiction Writers with a reputable publisher (Not some random publisher. It was all legitimate).
From literally thousands, I got long listed then shortlisted down through to the final three. Over the space of a year they considered my prologue and first few chapters, synopsis, marketing strategy etc. We were in conversations and this all went to a final panel. The final stage would have then be an offer of contract and publication. After a substantial wait, they politely declined my work and took forward the other two writers.
It's the first time I had entered into anything, and I was so proud. They loved my idea and unique story. They loved my writing style, but they had a few pointers. Ultimately, they just said no.
The part I am finding tricky to reconcile with is a) the first rejection, when I feel I was so very close to publication and b) that they didn't allow me to edit what they were unsure of and go forward.
It ultimately felt like I waited so long and they didn't want to take a chance on me. It has taken months for me to be able to pick up a pen and start again.
But the question is, should I keep going and give it another shot elsewhere? Do I go directly to publishers or agents? I'm feeling a bit sad and lost. Any advice would be appreciated, but please be gentle with me as a new writer. This would have been my Debut novel and I just feel so very disappointed. What do I do now?