Oy. Another short story rejection. Though it’s been a while since I’ve heard from a number of submissions I sent about…most about 3 months ago. This one magazine I know has been deluged with entries, mainly because it is new, yet very professional, and so of course pretty much every writer in existence will be trying to stake a claim on the first few issues. This was actually one of those “nice” rejections I’ve talked about before, where they gave me a little feedback. However, they didn’t necessarily say how to improve the story, but rather suggested another magazine which it might fit with better. Very cool of them.
Ah, well. Time to check this piece out and see if I still think it’s as good as I did when I sent it out. If so, I’ll decide which magazine gets the honor of my submission this time. If not, then it’s revision time, or maybe handing it to a few folks for feedback. Hmm.
It’s funny, actually. I was just exchanging emails with another writer who has his agent shopping a manuscript around. He’s gotten a few editor rejections, and has been dealing with the emotional aftermath of these. I can say from personal experience that, yes, it’s rough to be right on that verge of getting a book contract and finding closed doors. Maybe novels have a larger emotional investment than short stories (wait…why am I saying maybe? I know they do).
I maintain that rejections have to be pretty sharp to pierce my skin and leave me a blubbering mass. Sure, it sucks, but if you don’t let it stall your momentum, whether of writing or submitting, then all it proves to be is a momentary delay. I know other folks have a more difficult time rebounding from the blow. Let me say this…if you want to feel bad about getting rejected, that’s fine. It’s natural. But don’t let it stop you from writing or getting your material out there. That’s the worst thing you could do to yourself. The same day you get that rejectio in, dust the story off, pick a new market and send it back out as soon as possible. Then go in the corner, get the weeping out of your system and have a little ice cream. Whatever rejection-coping ritual works for you. But only after the story is no longer in your hands.
Just my take.
I see that smile.
Ack, geeze. I’m sorry, Josh. That really sucks. I can’t say I’ve been through a whole whopping tons of rejection (at least, not for writing. National-level award nominations are what I have the most experience with), but it can sure sting a whole heckuvalot–especially when you feel really confident in your work.
I know I don’t need to say it to you, but just keep writing. You’re talented.
Hail to thee, Inducer of corpses. Thanks for the encouragement and kind words. National-level award nominations you say? Do tell…that sounds intriguing. Was this through your creative writing class?
Eh. I wish it were through my creative writing class. But, no. Most it’s from when I was still in High School though the Girl Scouts. I was nominated for a national planning board position–which mean I was in the top 300 choices nation wide for the board. Didn’t get it.
Another one was a uber award from my Gold Award project. I got nominated for a national recognition that goes to the top 10 projects for the year. Some other girl from my council got the award, which really pissed me off.
A more recent one came last month or so–I was nominated for a national-level USA Today Academic team thingie. Just getting nominated means I’m in the 99% percentile for two-year colleges, but my stats weren’t good enough to earn the positoin.
And . . . well, that’s all I can think of for now. At least nominations, anyway. So close, yet so far. *gets dreamy eyes* Oh well!
*looking over my post, I have just now realized how many typos I made. Sorry ’bout that. I hate these Dell keyboards!
Never two worrys thee. Shan’t not grayde thee, I.
Sorry if that gives anyone a headace. And keep pushing with those nominations. I’m sure it’s just building up for when you’ve got a Hugo nomination, and the scales will tip in your favor.
*grins* A Hugo, you say?
I can feel my head getting bigger at the very suggestion. :o)
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