I received my first rejection letter. It was kindly written, almost as if she can see something in my query but she cannot, herself, pursue…at least that’s what you’re led to think. Notice below to whom this rejection is addressed:
Dear Author:
Thank you so much for sending the Nelson Literary Agency your query. We’d like to apologize for the impersonal nature of this standard rejection letter. Rest assured that we do read every query letter carefully and, unfortunately, this project is not right for us. Because this business is so subjective and opinions vary widely, we recommend that you pursue other agents. After all, it just takes one “yes” to find the right match.
All right. I’m Author. Nice to meet you. “Weird name,” you say? That’s what I thought, but my mother had a dream of me being published when I was incubating in the womb. What can I say? It would disappoint dear mother if I used a pen name.
OK. Sarcasm at 5:32 AM is only a little ridiculous. Only a little. Time does not hinder me, even when only half of my brain is responding to my caffeinated and sweetened morning coffee.
I consider this my first steps as a writer. My first rejection, which won’t certainly be the last, is giving me what I consider to be battle scars. Although this was sweetly written, it was still a big fat NO THANK YOU. All right, rejection letter. I’ll file you away and keep you safe for your buddies who are bound to join you, but you won’t get the best of this runner with wolves.
Posted by Mike on October 29, 2009 at 7:42 am
Ask Santa and Baby Jesus for money to self-publish. http://www.lulu.com/
Posted by Kandi on October 29, 2009 at 8:56 am
Well, Congrats, sort of. It takes a lot of courage and a thick skin to send out your work and even the greatest authors got rejections at some point. I know you’ll be counted in that group one day, Foxcraft. And your sarcasm is much enjoyed.
Just keep truckin’ friend.
Posted by Kadi on October 29, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I think… all I really have to say… is… I think that agency is the one who will be kicking their own asses when they realize what they passed up. Just sayin’. But. I agree with Dynamo up there. It does take tons of courage.. and we’re all here to support and love you! Just remember. If these characters have worked their way into your heart… you wont let them down and you’ll keep trying… and in return, they won’t let you down either! (Ok, so maybe that wasn’t said so well. But I’m sure you get what I’m trying to say. lol)
Good luck with other agencies. I really hope the best for you. <3
Posted by SocuseSoype on November 27, 2009 at 1:46 am
I highly enjoyed reading this blogpost, keep up writing such interesting stuff!
Posted by syneramedea on December 4, 2009 at 5:50 pm
The thing about writers is this: we are arrogant, conceited, and selfish. We have to be; who else would willingly subject themselves to the possibility of rejection knowing full well that there will indeed be rejection? However, take heart dear writer, the hard part is over. The receiving of one’s first rejection letter cuts like a knife, no matter how much we reassure ourselves that it was really like a paper cut and not the truthful scene of murder and mayhem. Once the reality sets in that there will be one, and usually more, there is also that knowledge that somewhere, someday, an agency will say “yes.” When that day comes, the memento of numero uno will seem like a bitter-sweet reminder of why you wrote the story in the first place–because you have the will and the drive to share your ideas with others; the ones who say “no” are just not on the same level of ideas as you are–they’ll catch up some day, and when they do all they will say is what MGM says to ‘Harry Potter’: “well damn”.
Posted by foxcraft on December 5, 2009 at 8:40 am
Thank you for your kind words! =) Another thing about us writers: we are gluttons for punishment!! I think that’s what makes us resilient.