Hilary Mantel was my mentor. Here are seven things she taught me about writing – and life | Hilary Mantel | The Guardian

In 2007 I was an aspiring young novelist with a manuscript that had been rejected by 43 literary agents. This was at a time when every single submission - which included a personalised letter, three chapters, a synopsis and a self-addressed envelope enclosed for the rejection slip - had to be printed out and sent by post. Nevertheless I remained optimistic, because the 44th agent I contacted wrote back to me, requesting to read my manuscript in full on an exclusive basis. I was certain this was going to be my big break.

A couple of weeks later, I experienced a whole new level of rejection when my manuscript was sent back to me again, with a polite and emphatic thanks-but-no-thanks cover letter.

The unwanted parcel had arrived just as I was on my way out to work and when I got there, I wept. I firmly believed at the age of 28 that my dream of publication was over. A colleague asked me what was wrong. I told her and she was surprisingly sympathetic. "I know a published novelist," she said. Before I could think to ask, she had offered to facilitate an introduction for me. Perhaps this person could give me some good advice?