Good Rejections

Rejections are a fact of the writing life. They fall into two general categories: "sorry not for us" and "good rejection".

The "sorry not for us" kind are form letters. Usually a photo copy of an original that's been photo copied to death. Sometimes not even a good photo copy - fuzzy and misaligned on the page. The "sorry not for us" letters are often unsigned. And they leave writers scratching their heads trying to figure out why the story wasn't right. I have a stack of the "sorry" rejections.

The other kind - "good rejection" - is a personalized letter explaining why the story wasn't acceptable. The editor points out specific flaws that make the manuscript unpublishable and offers words of encouragement. Oftentimes the "good rejection" includes an offer to take a look at something else the writer has done. This kind of rejection gives the writer a boost. Makes them feel like it is worth going on in the writing life.

I got my first "good rejection" yesterday from Kimberley Young at Mills & Boon. (Read an interview with her at the review site wewriteromance.com) Is it silly to send a thank you to an editor for giving you a good rejection? I don't know, but I sure want to!

Her positive comments gave me encouragement and her specific feedback about the problems with the manuscript give me something I can sink my teeth into as I work on honing my skills.