Wednesday 2 October 2013

Rejection

We've all been there, haven't we? (If you haven't, please do let me in on your secret.) And the words used by the magazine/publisher/agent remind me a bit of estate agent lingo. You have to read between the lines:

Outstanding opportunity for renovation = it's falling down
Wonderful views  = there's a tree outside, and you can just see it if you lean out of the attic window
Within easy reach of shops and schools = do you like long walks?
Cosy = it's a dolls' house
Fitted ktichen = there's a sink
The garden is laid to lawn = it's completely overgrown
Extra bedroom/study = but only a bedroom for someone under 4' tall, lying crosways

So (I suspect) it is with written offerings:

Well-worn theme = we just don't like it
Guessable = ditto
Not quite right for us = ditto
No surprises = ditto
We wish you luck in placing this novel/story/poem/article = please go away and leave us alone

Okay, okay. I know you're trying to be nice, but please just tell me I've written a lousy book/story. I can take it. I've got writers' shoulders (ie broad ones).

(And in case any of the wonderful editors etc. I've had dealings with should happen to come across this, I do know that some of these reasons are genuine, and I do love you really. Plus,  I've just had a nice acceptance, so I'm not sure why I'm rambling on about rejection...)

19 comments:

  1. I get pictures rejected....it hurts...I'm a sensitive soul.
    Congratulations on an acceptance.

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    1. Thanks, Adrian. Im quite pleased as it's a publication I haven't written for before.

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  2. Writing is subjective; or so I tell myself if I am rejected. Rejections make the acceptances all the more exciting. Well done on your acceptance.

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  3. Ha ha - I've had all the top four - most especially numbers one and four. I also know the mag who sent these comments (but I'll let them off as they bought one this week)

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    1. Well done on your acceptance, Wendy. They are hard to please, as we all know..

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  4. Doesn't really matter what they say, does it. A reject is still bad however nicely it's worded and we'll be happy with an acceptance even if it's jolly rude. (I did actually have a fairly rude acceptance once)

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    1. Rude acceptances? Bring them on. Rude rejections? How DARE they!

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  5. Having writers' shoulders - I love that!

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  6. Forget about the rejection and just concentrate on the acceptance. Congratulations.

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  7. Well done on the acceptance, Frances - so does that mean you've not personally just had a rejection?

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    1. Thanks, Rosemary. As to your question, not sure I want to talk abotu it...

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  8. I've had all of those, Frances - lots of times and a few besides, but I think you're right, they all amount to the same thing.

    Congratulations on the acceptance :-) x

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    1. It's a gentle rollercoaster, Teresa, And I've never been good at rollercoasters. They make me sick.

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  9. Replies
    1. Of ocurse! Stony ground. I must cling to that thought, Clare.

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  10. I have completely avoided rejection of the sort you mention Frances. It's easy. I never do anything to put myself in that position.

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