I Got My Second Rejection!
Want to read my actual second rejection letter?
Dear Christine,
Thank you for the opportunity to read “[title].” Unfortunately, your story isn’t quite what we’re looking for right now.
In the past, we’ve provided detailed feedback on our rejections, but I’m afraid that due to time considerations, we’re no longer able to offer that service. I appreciate your interest in [name of venue] and hope that you’ll keep us in mind in the future.
Take care,
[name of editor]
I think sharing my rejections might become something of a tradition on this blog. After I got the first one I decided to print them out and start collecting them in a binder. Someday I’d like to bring my binders of rejections to book signings, because as a writer who aspires to publication, I always enjoy hearing about the journey other authors made in order to get there. But in the meantime, I don’t really want to wait to show them off. Getting these rejections took a lot of work, and I’m proud of them! Plus, maybe they’ll help remove some of the stigma and emotionality around rejections. Maybe seeing mine shared word-for-word will help inspire you to see rejection as a component of success, not an indication of failure.
It’s interesting that this venue mentioned the fact that they used to do personalized rejections and stopped. Honestly, it’s kind of a relief to get a form rejection, at least for a short story. If I were trying to sell a novel I’d much rather revise and resubmit, but part of what I love about short stories is…when they’re done they’re done. If one of my shorts doesn’t sell, I don’t think I’ll rework it. I think I’ll just write another one. I like the idea of finishing things, creating a repertoire, having a dozen or more stories on a submission circuit at once, and retiring the ones that just don’t make the cut, letting them be what they are. It feels more like progress to me.
When would I retire a story? Probably after I’d sent it to every venue on my list that it qualified for. Admittedly, it’s not a very long list. But I feel like, if a story isn’t good enough to be published by my list of favorites, it’s not good enough to represent me as an author. And I don’t mind waiting. Mm, “waiting” is not the right word. It feels too passive, doesn’t reflect the work I’m doing. Instead let’s call it, “biding my time.” And I am very, very good at biding my time.
Thanks for coming on the journey with me,
Christine
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Katherine Cowley
I always submit my short stories to pro markets first, then semi pro, then token or unpaid. Some of my stories are a little bizarre and as a result have a niche audience, but when I find the perfect publication to help me reach that audience, I go for it. I still haven’t had a sci fi story published at the pro payment level (surprisingly, I have for LDS fiction) but I keep pushing for it because it will happen eventually.
Katherine Cowley
I always submit my short stories to pro markets first, then semi pro, then token or unpaid. Some of my stories are a little bizarre and as a result have a niche audience, but when I find the perfect publication to help me reach that audience, I go for it. I still haven’t had a sci fi story published at the pro payment level (surprisingly, I have for LDS fiction) but I keep pushing for it because it will happen eventually.
Kris
I love your reasons for sharing your rejection letters. And yes, you’re doing so much more than waiting. Because you’re awesome like that.
Kris
I love your reasons for sharing your rejection letters. And yes, you’re doing so much more than waiting. Because you’re awesome like that.
Christine Tyler
Thanks! Love you!
Christine Tyler
Thanks! I’m going to focus on finishing the Mermaid story and the Metamorphosis story in July, and I think I’ll be starting the new project in August or so.
Christine Tyler
Thanks! Love you!
Christine Tyler
Thanks! I’m going to focus on finishing the Mermaid story and the Metamorphosis story in July, and I think I’ll be starting the new project in August or so.
Leonore Tyler
One more step in your courageous journey. Keep on, keeping on. I know you will make it.
Deb
Congrats on #2! Which, from where?
Love your bold biding! And can’t wait to read/the next story from your fertile imagination! Did you decide to write it in July?
Leonore Tyler
One more step in your courageous journey. Keep on, keeping on. I know you will make it.
Deb
Congrats on #2! Which, from where?
Love your bold biding! And can’t wait to read/the next story from your fertile imagination! Did you decide to write it in July?