After submitting to a number of literary magazines and journals, I finally received my first actual rejection letter. For some writers this might feel like a horrific failure, but I choose to see it as achieving a rite of passage. Up to this point, the type of rejection I’ve learned to deal with is the “we’re ignoring you, no response, your work is in the trash” kind of rejection. That dead silence stings more than most new writers think, yet I credit it for helping me develop the thick skin required by the industry.
I consider my rejection letter a victory not only because it is the first, but also because it came in response to my poetry. Over the last year and a half, I’ve steadily been writing poetry in the hopes of finding my voice in this medium. Through the outlet of my blog, I’ve been able to share this journey which ultimately culminated in my first submission to a poetry journal. I’m proud to say that my poetry made through at least two rounds of consideration on the first try.
To go from never sharing my poems with anyone to receiving an actual rejection letter for my efforts has ironically boosted my self-confidence as a writer. I’m saving this letter much like an entrepreneur frames the first dollar and hangs it on the wall.
The letter may have sent my work to the cutting room floor, but it is also very encouraging. Rather than focus on the negative, I’m keeping my eye on key phrases such as, “liked your work” and “please consider submitting again.”
In effect, my gratitude goes to Wordrunner eChapbooks. The editors at this fine literary journal have catapulted me to the next level of my dream of getting published.
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c.b.w. 2012
Good for you for framing it! At one time I considered wall-papering my office with all of mine. 🙂 They ARE a sign of hard work and courage!
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That’s so true. They are like little reminders that we tried! 🙂
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What a great attitude. And I agree. I see a lot of *positive* in that letter. Good for you! 🙂
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Definitely more positive than negative. 🙂 That’s pretty much how I see everything and it has served me well.
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Love your attitude. You made it to the second round, dude! Well done. Keep writing!
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This is a tough industry and I intend on taking each step with a smile on my face. I love a challenge!! 🙂
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I entered a little contest that offered a critique, and got back “Delightful” and “Wouldn’t change a word!” and “…talented…”. Of course, I didn’t even make the long list of honorable mentions LOL. You just cherish the good words and wait for your work to hit the right person at the right time. Keep writing
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You just never know what they’re looking for. Even a perfectly wonderful piece such as yours can be cut. It’s a subjective industry, so all we can do is keep trying!! 🙂
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Sorry.
That was a nice letter actually. It didnt appear to be a standard form letter. Maybe your poem just didnt fit with the theme they were going for this time. I kinda felt the way you did when I submitted a college essay for award, because I never feel my research is smart enough, but when I didnt win but made it to top three, I felt more confident.
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Hey, Top 3 is pretty awesome! 🙂
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I agree, the non-responses hurt more than a letter like this one. Be reassured that it had been under ‘careful consideration’ and rest assured, there are many who like, love, and appreciate your poetry, so it’s only a matter of time before someone snatches it up for their anthology. 🙂
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Awww, thanks so much! 🙂 A couple of years ago, I think this would have stung because I didn’t have a strong enough idea of how big of a deal it is to get a letter like this. Today I’m celebrating!
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I would think you would doing nothing less than what you’ve suggested! Of course a rejection letter is a rite of passage, and getting negative and icky about them and it only shadows the wonderful work you do. Thanks for being a bright spot in this industry 🙂 Thanks for continuing to work on your art, focusing on the positive, and not being discouraged.
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I shall never be discouraged! I love words and writing stories too much! 🙂
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That’s a very nice rejection letter and I agree that it is saying they really like it but just didn’t fit as well as another one. Knowing you this will just give you more determination and that is Fantastic.
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I’m already looking into their next submission dates, so yes, I am even more determined to try again. 🙂
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Congratulations for 3 reasons, C.B.,
1. You made in impression worth an individualized letter and they want to keep the fledgling relationship open!
2. You have put such a positive spin on it; nothing can deter you now!
3. You’ve gotten valuable feedback from professionals in the field.
I know I’m looking forward to getting some of these. It’s a rite of passage and I don’t think the experience of being a writer would be the same if getting published was a cake walk.
You’re very inspiring.
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I love your list! It gives me even more to celebrate. Thank you! 🙂
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I can see you’re a glass-half-full person. 🙂
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Heck yeah! 🙂
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Hey C.B.,
Love your PERFECT attitude in receiving your first rejection (and welcome to the club!!!)
Yeah, hang that baby up and admire it until you can hang another one next to it… your first sales contract 🙂
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Thanks! Do I get a member card? Lol! 🙂
I think I’ll start a collection of rejections from editors and agents alike.
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I took all my rejection letters and made a Halloween costume out of them. Sticking with it is half the battle. Good job and keep writing.
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Niiiice! I love the creativity. 🙂
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I wasn’t as upset as I thought I would be when I received my first rejection letter. I decided that I’m going to use them to wall paper my toilet! Lol 😉
Xx
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Hahaha! 🙂
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Well done 🙂 Second round of consideration is great on your first try. I made my first submission, but received silence as a response It does sting.
Better luck next time 🙂
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😦 I learned to let that sting be a major source of determination. Good luck on your next round of submissions. Don’t give up! 🙂
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Thanks 🙂 Check out the Alice in Wonderland I picked up in Portobello (inscription circa 1895) 😀
http://lalammar.net/2012/09/20/im-back/
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Congrats! It’s exciting that your work made an impression and that they encouraged you to submit again! Sounds like a win to me.
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Definitely a win! 🙂
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If this is only the first, then I am very impressed!
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Thanks! I’ve submitted a lot of short stories, but this is the first batch of poetry I’ve ever put out there. 🙂
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Why that’s hardly a rejection at all! Congratulations. Obviously you are on the right track!
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Thanks! 🙂 After hearing so many nightmares from other writers, I was surprised this letter so pleasant! Lol!
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Looking forward to your next one and beyond…it means you’re writing and putting yourself out there and success is so much sweeter.
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I’m busy deciding what to submit next and researching opportunities. I have one submission to go to reach my goal for 2012.
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Bravo my friends, many happy, umm… returns? 🙂
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I hope so! 🙂
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Next times a winner! And every step is worth taking, well done..
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I’m definitely encouraged to keep trying. 🙂
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You’re in the game now. Congratulations! Rejection letters lead to acceptance letters!
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I hope so! 🙂 I’ll keep trying!
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That is one encouraging rejection letter. Keep at it, C.B.!
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I will! 🙂
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Congratulations!!!!! As you said, your work was noticed and read and considered by real human beings, and not automatically consigned to the trash bin. People responded favorable to your poems, even tho they were not selected. And you met your goal to submit, which takes courage to do. I think framing it is a wonderful idea. It will remind you of all the things you faced and mastered to “earn” a rejection letter.
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This was so validating on so many levels. Sure, it’s a no, but its also a “try again.” I love the possibilities this letter creates. 🙂
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bravo, CB! I hardly ever submit my work, but years ago I did for a short story challenge. The rejection note back was so kind that I was elated! Now, if I do, it is just that silence…so, I wish I’d kept that first letter. Keep on keeping on ~ a
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I’m expecting the silence to return, but I will definitely keep on keeping on.
Don’t give up, even with the silence. 🙂
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A friend of mine – an author with 40+ years experience – says you can’t consider yourself a “real writer” until you can wallpaper your bathroom with rejection notices. Personally, I think if you write, you’re are a “real writer,” but remain grateful my bathroom is small. : )
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I’ve heard the same saying and I believe it is absolutely true. It seems no matter what we do, there are dues to pay. Lol! 🙂
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Congratulations and welcome to the club! The first rejection letter is definitely a right of passage. If there’s one thing I learned in my creative writing classes in college, it’s that rejection letters are like a red badge of courage. They may sting, but they’re proof that you’re willing to put yourself out there and at least get noticed enough to get a letter back. 🙂
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Thanks! 🙂 They do sting, but they are also so validating.
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