Oct 07 2008
The Dreaded Rejection Letter
For new poets it can be devastating, receiving that letter or email saying “We cannot use your work at this time.” Inevitably one of two things will result. Either the poet will be so crushed, he or she will stop writing or they will see the rejection as a challenge. When I started out I received many a rejection letter. I came to expect them. However I took it on as a challenge to write more and improve with each piece. After 30 some odd years I now have an ego bigger than life and always ask myself “Do they not know who I am?” should I receive one of those penned scorns.
Seriously though, rejection letters do not necessarily imply that your work is not good. Sometimes editors will reject submissions because they’ve received too many within a specific time frame and no longer have room within their publication. Some publications I’m sorry to say are of the elite persuasion and will only accept well known poets. Some editors will comment on the poetry when they send you a rejection letter. If that is the case take the comments and suggestions as a tool for learning more. They are only trying to help you.
As writers we will receive many rejections however that one acceptance will far outweigh all the others. Just remember to see it as a challenge and keep writing!
It is always good to keep your cool because someone somewhere will like you for you 100%
I do think it’s that little bit harder to get a stack of rejection letters when you’ve written a 100,000 word novel that’s taken years of work.
However, I know that my writing is improving over time. Rejection letters led me to join writing groups, think more about the publishing industry, and many other good things.
The most important thing is to make sure you keep going.
I agree with both of you. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Okay, I’m commenting on this one as well… practically ambushing your site! But it’s right up my alley, so how can I not? lol
It is agonizing and while I’ve suffered through the Writer’s Remorse, inevitably a string of what am I doing? Is this what I should be doing? When is it going to happen?… followed.
But at least rejection means you’ve put yourself in the game!
Exactly my point rejection is a means to grow. Thanks for the comments.