The patent thing seems to always be the first thing people ask me about

It is O'kay to ask questions. When you really don't understand just ask questions. There are so many questions I get asked over and over again.  I really don't mind at all just answering them. Most people ask me this question: Hey Rebecca, I invented something, how can I get a patent?  The patent thing seems to always be the first thing people ask me about. I try to clarify that right away.  The other day I met someone that told me you NEED to have a patent on every product that is put on the shelves of every store out there. I told her that was incorrect information. She didn't believe me. Well, it is true. Not every product on the shelves have a patent. If you don't believe me examine that for yourself the next time you go shopping.
Now here is a question.  What makes you think that a patented invention will sell? There are hundreds of patented inventions that never sold! That's terrible!
You have to study the market. You need to test your product and make sure that people want it. People just might NOT want your product. People might just not be interested in what you have to offer them. I know that sounds mean but it is reality.
But it is great when things work out. It is embarrassing when you show your "baby" to a company and then they reject it. (I've been there). And I'm still working on projects that seem to take forever to put out there. You need to be patient. Remember?
If you persist good things could happen. If it is meant to be, it'll happen, just wait and see! Bottom line...don't give up.