Rejection

I'm sorry to tell you....

An editor’s rejection is expected in every writer’s journey. Writing is subjective. You can think your piece will fit, only to open an email from an editor starting with the words, “I’m sorry to tell you….” And yes, that was the beginning of a very kind rejection I got recently.

Submitting work is a long process. It can take me ½ to a full day to submit to one publication. I read back issues, compare my style with published pieces, tailor my cover letter, edit a piece to a publication’s word limit, click the submit button and wait. One publication I recently submitted to has a six to nine month reply timetable! Others respond within weeks.

Kathryn Stockett, writer of The Help, was rejected 60 times! Alex Haley, author of Roots, was rejected over 200 times before he found fame with that book. John Grisham was rejected by 30 agents and 15 publishers before he self-published his first novel, A Time to Kill. In addition to the success of these books, each of these authors also got movie or tv deals.

This spring, I'm submitting my short stories and essays for publication, in addition to editing the latest version of my novel-in-progress, THE CON. When I receive rejections from publications, instead of feeling defeated (okay, truth is, I will – at least for a little while), I know I stand in good company with all the other writers before me who persisted and published successfully.

If you encounter rejection -- whether in a relationship, applying for a job, or bidding on that house you want, know that you’re not alone. You can have a temporary setback and emerge stronger and more determined. Whether that determination sends you on the same path to keep trying, or on a different path to try something new, it’s all where you’re meant to go.