This weekend, in the midst of my niece’s birthday party and lots and lots of grading, I received an interesting email: a positive rejection letter.
About two months ago, I sent out what felt like hundreds of copies of a new story.
I made a new excel spread sheet to keep track of where I sent each story. I sealed envelopes and signed cover letters. It was one of those "all-business" days. I need to have more of those days. It's been a while.
Since sending out that story I have received a couple generic rejections. No biggie. I grew a thick skin for rejections back in grad school. Some people claim to use their rejections as wallpaper. I used to hang mine on the fridge (right next to the magnetic poetry).
Rejections for a writer can sting, but I like to think of them as battle wounds. I feel more like a writer when I get a rejection, as strange as that might sound. It means I’ve tried. It means I’m one step closer.
Some rejections are nicer than others, though. If you’ve ever received a positive rejection letter, you know what I mean.
In a positive rejection letter, an editor (or someone at the publication) lets you know that even though your story isn’t right for them at the moment, your story and your writing has potential. It is a way of saying that you should send to them again in the future. Don't give up, the positive rejection letter says.
Here's my recent example. In addition to the generic response, the usual "thanks but no thanks," two lines stood out. At the bottom of the email, it said “I really liked this piece and thought it felt realistic. Please send more of your work in the future.”
Yes, I let myself celebrate just a little bit. But It’s hard to explain to others. To some, a rejection is a rejection. Why celebrate what seems like bad news? Maybe I just always look for an excuse to celebrate.
Of course, I prefer an acceptance letter, but I try to keep it positive.
Anyone else have good news? Anyone want to spin mediocre news into something positive? Go ahead, you’re allowed to feel proud and brag a little bit.
I recently received this one: "While you have many wonderful things at work here--interesting concept, a character I wouldn't mind getting to know further, great writing, etc.--in the end I don't feel passionate enough about the project to be the best advocate for it."
ReplyDeleteI actually read the thing four or five times while I let the news percolate. An agent actually thinks my story is filled with "great writing??" I could have kissed her! (It IS funny how excited we get over the smallest things... :))
That's great news, LisaAnn. I'd celebrate that letter, too. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI've had positive rejection letters too, and find there's always something in them to help us grow, and persist, with our craft. That feedback is so important. The first literary journal that published an essay of mine actually sent a positive rejection similar to yours to an early essay. I took it to heart, sent something else a few months later, and they published it. So, write on!
ReplyDeleteI love positive rejection letters too - but I'm not masochistic enough to use rejection letters as wallpaper ;) Good luck and hope you're able to break through
ReplyDeleteJoanne: that's inspiring news. I'll be sure to send to this lit mag again. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteKJ: You're right. I probably won't frame this particular rejection either. =)
Congrats on your positive rejection letter. Only writers are crazy enough to rejoice over those :)
ReplyDeleteYes, a positive letter is better than being ignored. You're making progress. If you haven't read Stephen King's book, 'On Writing', he has some amazing commentary on rejections, and writing in general. And yes, writers are indeed crazy of the things like positive rejection letters.. Best... (found you via she writes.)
ReplyDeleteCarol: That's so true. =) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBrenda: Glad you found the blog. I'm a huge fan of King's On Writing. Thanks for stopping by.