Ouch Monday: Not Another Rejection Letter
Shelly Hrdlitschka, at a recent SCBWI conference talked about perseverance, without it a writer is unlikely to be successful. She pulled out a file of rejection letters and read a couple of the opening lines: “Dear Writer, Dear Aspiring Author, Dear Shelly,” etc. Eventually she found a publisher and went on to publish several titles.
I completely agree that writers need to develop a thick skin as Shelly pointed out. But I find it interesting that writers keep their rejection letters. I throw mine in the garbage or delete them from my e-mail. The only exception is a rejection letter that has feedback on it as those letters can potentially help me a better writer.
I’ve been told that I’ll regret not having my rejection letters when I do make it. Perhaps I will, but rejection letters do not inspire me. So I throw my rejection letters away with the rest of the junk mail and move on.
What do you do with your rejection letters?
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If you liked this post please let others know. Next week on Ouch Monday, I'll be talking about pitches. On Friday join me for another Poetic Caption, in which I'll announce the winners of my poetry contest and share some tips from children's poet Tiffany Stone.
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Remember you can always connect with me on Facebook and Twitter until then dare to write the impossible.
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Looking Back To Past Posts
Hi Rena, I am enjoying the new delete key phase of rejection letters, but the old letter head days still fill up old files and I keep them for some strange melancholy reason or simply for the nostalgia.
ReplyDeleteFair enough. I know a lot of writers keep their rejection letters. I just happen to not be one of them.
DeleteI didn't deliberately keep my rejection letters, but I'm obsessive about recycling paper so they end up in my my milk crate of scrap paper. So every once in a while I'll turn over the grocery list and find some version of "not right for us". It's kind of entertaining, since the sting has worn off by then.
ReplyDeleteGood. Your recycled paper one day could be turned into your next contract.
DeleteThe way I understand it, getting an actual rejection letter is a rarity nowadays. Most publishers/editors don't even respond.
ReplyDeleteThat's true and a lot of them who do respond send a form letter. I think sending a form letter is a waste of time and paper. I would prefer an e-mail at least that way I would know they got my ms.
DeleteI keep my rejection letters as a track record - they help me remember where I've submitted in case I need to check. But Kirsten is right - they're getting less common!
ReplyDeleteThat's smart. I record mine and toss.
DeleteThat's smarter :)
DeleteI've never submitted anything anywhere, but if I ever do, I know that I'd keep my rejection letters. Having been in theatre for a while, rejection doesn't bother me so much - I just move on - and for me, getting a rejection is just proof that I actually DID something.
ReplyDeleteThat is good point. I already have way too much paper floating around my house that I don't need to add to the pile. I know rejections come with the territory and I'm okay with it.
DeleteI keep them all, if for no other reason than they're proof to the IRS that you are actually trying to make money from your writing - LOL.
ReplyDeleteHaha. Perhaps if I have enough of them tax Canada will feel sorry for me.
DeleteThat's why I keep them, too. Was told once that it proves you are a writer if the IRS comes questioning. lol.
ReplyDeleteI actually do keep my rejection letters. All of them. They go in a binder with page protectors even. Rejection letters aren't fun, but for me it's a numbers game. For every rejection letter I get that means I at the very least TRIED, and isn't that all we can do?
ReplyDeleteMay an accepted letter find its way to you soon!
Thanks Lissa.
DeleteI keep my rejection letters, too. They're like battle scars--to be worn with pride:)
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Nice!
Delete