Why That Rejection Letter is Your Friend. No, Really.
November 20th, 2008 by Jon
Every writer gets rejection letters. How a writer reacts to those rejections is what usually tells the tale in the long run.
Writers that go on to build successful careers manage to find ways to actually benefit from rejections, becoming stronger and more persistant. Writers who spiral into depression and despair at the site of a “thanks, but no thanks” missive either learn to suck it up or soon find themselves pursuing another vocation.
This fine piece from the Guide to Literary Agents blog can help you discover the silver-lined, half-full glass of lemonade (made from the lemons life gave you) that is the rejection letter.
November 20th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I agree, Jon, and I think you have to make a decision when you start querying that you are NOT going to spiral, react, get depressed, etc., when those rejects start coming in. And the days when you’re feeling fragile, work on something else. I’m amazed when I read some of the comments on QueryTracker from writers bashing agents who’ve rejected them. I’m sure agents probably read those comments, no? Imagine what that does for a writer’s standing when an agent reads their scathing words. Granted posters don’t use their real names in the comments, but it’s probably not too hard to tell who wrote what. And even so, why add to the negativity? Queryers are already feeling pretty fragile, so don’t lower their expectations by telling them that an agent they’re about to query is a nincompoop just because they rejected you.
Diana Scimone
http://www.peapodpublishing.com
http://www.dianascimone.com
Twitter: @BornToFly
November 20th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
You’re right, Diana! {seesmic_video:{”url_thumbnail”:{”value”:”http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/Ba9Y53asgj_th1.jpg”}”title”:{”value”:”You’re right, Diana! ”}”videoUri”:{”value”:”http://www.seesmic.com/video/ipirTix0g5″}}}
November 20th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
That is too cool, Jon, to get a personal video response from you! (And I’ll be sure to bookmark it for the days that I’m spiraling at one-too-many rejection letters myself
)
Diana
November 20th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Any rejection beyond a form is a victory! Because you are that much closer to the one that will say, “YES.” I agree with Diana - who needs to add to the negativity when we can celebrate even small steps forward.
November 20th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Ha, Jon! I plead the technological fifth on that one (as she runs to put some lipstick on after a 5K writing day…who has time for lipstick??)