My very first rejection landed in my inbox this afternoon. Yay! No, really. The only way to survive as a writer is to not take it personally. When an editor says "it's not right for us", that's exactly what they mean. Not that I suck as a writer, or my story sucks.
Maybe I'll find it a little tougher to keep this perspective as my rejection collection grows, but I'm going to do my damnedest to stay positive.
So...on to Duotrope I go to find the next submission candidate. Wish me luck!
Update: December 2024
2 weeks ago
5 comments:
You have a good attitude about it. I remember my first rejection - my heart sank and I had a moment of self doubt. Then I bucked up and took a philosophical attitude. On the whole, it was a good thing as it taught me to be tough and not take things personally.
Thanks, Jai. My hopes got up there for a little bit, but no big deal. I'm not really a short story writer, and I knew that this short story in particular would have a hard time finding a home. I'm not pinning my hopes and dreams on getting this story published.
When I start shopping for an agent and get rejections, though...I can see those having a bit more of an impact.
Sweet rejections, as I like to call them...
You've definitely got the right attitude, Jenn. They do get a bit easier to take with time, but they still sting.
Hey Jenn,....its Jen from Intimate Family!
I have just started venturing into the "writing world", and etremely intimidated by all of it. But reading about you and people like Jai who have bemcome successful, gives me hope. Im just not sure if I could handle the rejections as well as you!
Keep up the good spirit,....I'll be watching out for you and your fame!
Jen
http://intimatefamily.blogspot.com
You have a very good attitude to have regarding this. Unfortunately, writing is often like following a sports team. Many think they are good, but until everyone starts jumping on the “bandwagon”, they often find themselves the underdogs. You keep up the good work, and remember, one day, if this publisher gets your big book, they will wonder why they ever doubted you in the first place, and if they do not, they will be one of the ones that wish they could have, and will praise your book, not by open praise, but by using it as an example of what their editors and screeners should be looking for. I don’t know about you, but for me, that is praise enough.
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