I received a rejection letter yesterday from an editor at Harlequin Enterprises. She gave some useful comments, and told me to submit something else.
I’m in the midst of working on another project now for submission elsewhere, but I do plan on submitting another Christian romance to them again in the near future.
Rejection is a terrible thing, but it can be a good thing, too. Sometimes editors can give you tips on making your work even better. Also, rejection teaches patience!
You know, back in the first five years of my writing career, when I received a rejection, I was usually devestated! However, I believe, over the years, my skin has thickened and rejections don’t hurt as much as they used to! Although, rejections can still leave you feeling a tad bit disappointed!
Any writers (either published or unpublished) reading this? What do you do when you get rejected? How do you feel?
Hi Cecelia,
Good luck to you! I love the way you have taken such a positive attitude about the rejection letter. It’s creative how you have put the envelope and letter up on your blog. See you next time. I believe I follow your blog.
Congratulations on the rejection, Cecelia! To get comments and a request to submit something else says a lot. Many writers don’t get that!
Keep us posted!
I’m waiting for a response to a proposal for a series of Bible study books I want to write (I have started them).
Uhmmm…’Rejection’ is my middle name…:). Got enough slips to wall paper my office. But I must confess, the experience has made me jut out my chin, thicken my skin, and now I just hike my pants up a little higher.
When I first receive the dreaded “R”, I take some time away (until my initial reaction wears off) and then I re-approach the letter and see only the constructive comments with fresh eyes.
I’ve also learned to take the positive comments out from the rejections. If you saw my office you’d laugh. I have sticky notes pasted all over with quotes from judges, agents, editors, and publishers. There’s not one ounce of negativity in all.
Leaning back in my chair, I reread these comments and smile.
Now I can shrug my shoulders and respond…what rejection?
I feel so bad for you. Rejection is hard to deal with. This is the first time I’ve read where an author acknowledged a rejection, and it grieves me. With God’s grace, I try to work it out. I’m glad you are going to keep moving on.
Cecelia, I admire your faith and positivity about the rejection. To me, it shows that you’re still writing, and still doing what you’re supposed to do. Prayerfully, you’ll have all you need with all of your books. God bless you.