damn, now that's some FINE rejection stuff!

I'm quite the rejection letter connoisseur, and I must say I've been getting some good ones lately. I won't make the mistake of posting an editor's letter here again. Let's just say that the content of the letter is as good as the feedback you might get on contests.

It's more of a revise-this-and-we'll-look-again letter. And the stuff the editor points out? Wow, she's right.

Huh. She ought to do this editing thing for a living.

No, I'm not being a brown-noser. I happen to know that this nameless editor would never look at my blog. It's just kind of cool that sometimes a rejection is extremely useful--great advice from a professional for no cost, other than a moment's (or an hour's) sensation of "aw, damn".

I'm fond of that story, so chances are I'll actually get around to doing what she suggests. Some day. First I have to re-write all the crud I lost when the lap-top crashed. When that doesn't work, I'll have to crawl into bed and sleep. . . or get some happy pills.

Comments

  1. Anonymous9:28 AM

    I wish all rejections were straight-forward and honest (while being respectful, of course). A good critique is tremendously valuable. Writers generally don't earn them, however. It takes effort to receive them openly and not get defensive or downtrodden.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sam3:03 PM

    I like constructive rejections. My last one was a nuke bomb dropped upon my manuscript. The reader said it was poorly written, trite, clichéed, and...(drumroll) lewd. (the book was already published, BTW - I just got the rights back and was trying to market it - it got 5 star reviews from AAR, and that's not easy)
    That was an unconstructive rejection. I would have rather had a polite note saying the book didn't quite fit that agent's publishing goals.
    Can I join you for some happy pills?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Daisy Dexter Dobbs3:31 PM

    Naturally, I loathe rejections, but I love it when an editor takes the time and has the consideration to offer a truly constructive critique. There are many times when I’ve been so in love with my own words that I failed to see how they could possibly be improved. LOL I greatly value an editor whose feedback can set me on the proper course.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Philanthropist9:59 PM

    I love rejections, they mean the best is yet to come. Here's a typical rejection:

    Thank you for your recent query. Although your project sounds
    interesting, we unfortunately do not feel it is right for us at this
    time. We encourage you to query other agencies, and we wish you all the best in finding other representation. Thank you again for thinking of us.

    The XXX Agency.

    Best regards,
    XXX

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kate11:27 PM

    wtmm
    You should consider going into the agent/editor trade. You have the form rejection down. .

    yah, Jason, I think it takes practice separating oneself from one's writing. Critique groups are a great way to build up the muscles. Or maybe sam's bomb dropping twit. Clearly that person needed a chill pill. Maybe her favorite starbucks was out of the right kind of latte?

    daisy--I don't usually greatly value advice right after I get it. USUALLY I have to grumble and whine for a while--especially when it comes in a rejection letter.

    HEY!! but guess what!! Turns out I didn't read the bottom of the note very well. It's actually a revision letter. Okay then! As soon as I finish reconstructing this last manuscript that I lost (only 200 pages to go) I'll take that editor's advice and try again.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sam2:48 AM

    Great News Kate!
    Always read the bottom line, lol!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous2:43 PM

    www.iwiLetter.com - we’re currently running a Rejection Letter writing contest, the winner receives an 80GB iPod. We are wrapping up the contest in the next month, so hurry and enter! http://www.iwiLetter.com/Rejection.html

    ReplyDelete

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