IWSG Day! Rejection Slips I have Known...

by Melodie Campbell

The Rejection Slip is the hurtin’, cheatin’ country song of the writer’s world.

I could fill a book with the ones I’ve collected. And yet amazingly, I still keep writing.

But one thing I’ve discovered: there is a hierarchy.  If, like me, you write for a living, or merely for the loving, you will undoubtedly have a collection that cries out for classification.

            Keep them.  Devote a drawer to them.  (In my case, a steamer trunk.)  Make your own list of rejection translations and get to know the lingo. 

            Here’s my list, to get you started:

1. “…unfortunately, it does not meet our requirements at this time.”

This means No.  I allow myself ten minutes to rant, and then try another market.

2. “…does not meet our current needs, but we would welcome seeing more of your work.”

Hey – you’ve reached them!  Maybe they can’t use this piece, but they like your style.  Send more.  Persist.  Be relentless.  That’s how I first got into Star Magazine.  I wore them down.

3. “….if you would consider revising, I would happily have another read of it.”

Go, go, go!  Whenever an editor gives direct encouragement, run with it.  Act immediately.  Revise and re-mail.  Invite her to dinner.  Walk his dog.  Do what you have to.  But don’t lose his interest.

      I cherish personal replies from editors, not only for the time they take to write, but also for the hidden messages within.  Some are priceless.  Here are two gems from my personal file (er…trunk):

      “…not for us, but I think the ‘Idler’ uses satire.”

      That’s right, pass it off to the competition and hope it sinks ‘em.  

And my personal favourite:

      “…we found your novel an interesting and compelling work, however…”

      Shucks.  I should have known they don’t publish ‘interesting and compelling’ works.

     

Do you keep your rejections slips?  Any choice ones you’d like to share?

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