Thursday, April 2, 2015

Reject the rejection

So you may have heard about the high school senior who wrote Duke University a letter rejecting the university's rejection - here's the link:


This opens up a world of possibilities for writers, who often face rejection on a regular basis. So, if you could write your own letter rejecting a rejection in an effort to take back your power, who would you send it to? Would it be a publishing company? An evil editor? Or maybe it's to the boy (or girl) who rejected you in the 10th grade. It doesn't matter, just do it, and tell us about it! 

Write (a rejection letter) soon,
Mary



7 comments:

  1. I don't think I would want to write a rejection rejection letter. But what I would like to write is a letter for all editors to return to civility and thoughtfulness. In an age where a click can send that old standby the form letter, why do so many editors thoughtlessly ignore a heartfelt submission? I don't need a critique or a bowing down sorry, only a thoughtful (hopefully kind) note that says No, Thanks. Instead we at this end are left in wonder and worry, qualms and questions. Did it even arrive?
    Funny that rejection letters used to come in an age where it took paper, hired help, stamps, and time meaning money. Now with the ease of technology, few care enough to be professionally thoughtful. Sorry for the rant.

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    1. I agree, and feel free to rant any time. I know everyone is pressed for time, but when someone makes an effort, it would be nice to be acknowledged by letting an author know his or her work will be taken seriously and considered, and a little "Thank you for sending us your work. We will take good care of it!" Would be greatly appreciated.

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  2. Mary--I once got a rejection letter (via email) less than 24 hours after submitting something. I then offered to send a different kind of piece--different tone, different perspective--and they said very firmly, "Don't bother."

    Ouch.

    I think my rejection rejection letter would deliver too much of a bite, so I'd never send one. But Walter Mitty-style, I can fantasize...

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    1. That was harsh, Sioux. He or she was unable to see your awesomeness. Their loss.

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  3. I did once in my early writing days. Three editors liked my short story. The fourth overruled stating my scenario was impossible. I wrote and explained I'd witnessed it. No response. I didn't expect debate. I would not do it now. My thought is, their loss!

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