I need to talk some more about rejection letters, because it seems that a lot of people have been receiving them recently, and distress is the least of the emotions expressed on several lists and among writers that I know.

You don't want to hear this, but I'll say it anyway: Don't be distressed. Don't take it personally.

A rejection is never personal. How can it be? They don't know you well enough for it to be personal! A rejected manuscript didn't fit the agent's or publisher's list, interests, timing, etc. It's not about you.

Author Rebecca Coleman recently said, "Finding an agent is like dating. Would you date three guys and expect one of the three to be your soulmate and offer a proposal? I hope not!"

Good point.

Terry Burns, a guest on one of my radio shows and a Western writer, says, "A slam on our writing? No, if they reject they do it on such a small sampling of the writing, or even none at all, that it has almost nothing to do with the quality of the writing. They are looking at whether the genre, concept, or story idea -- or other factors that might make it a fit for their house -- are there. If they don't think it's a fit, they really aren't interested in how good the writing is. In fact, they'd rather not read something they aren't going to be able to buy anyway."

You are not your writing, no matter how you might feel that you are. A rejection is a stepping-stone to finding the right agent or the right publisher. It's never pleasant; but the professional takes it in stride and amasses anecdotes to discuss later... when he or she is beyond the elements of style!


Jeannette Cézanne
Customline Wordware: Custom Copy To Go!
www.customline.com