The Rejection that Made My Day

(A Sunday Extra)

I recently sent a short essay to a major lit mag about how I secured myself two extended book tours in Germany (you can check out photos from both tours on my author website)

It was swiftly rejected, but with praise that made me glow all day, including statements like this one: “What an incredible journey. Your publicity campaign is awesome in the best definition of the word. Congratulations on your success. You’ve worked hard for it.”

But even more than that, the editor admired the piece so much that I got extensive notes and line editing suggestions all the way through. These notes added up to almost as many words as the 600-word essay itself.

The suggestions were smart, targeted, on point, and highly complimentary. I couldn’t have asked for a more helpful edit. An edit that the editor took valuable time to offer me without my having requested it (or paid for it, either).

So you’re wondering why the piece was rejected? Well, the editor felt that the less-experienced audience of the magazine wouldn’t be able to relate, given the “dizzying circles in which [I’ve been] travelling.” I never thought of myself that way, but perspective is everything, I suppose.

This rejection with so much intelligent feedback gave me plenty of ideas to fuss with when I’m ready to tackle a revision and try some other lit mags. It also gave me a feeling of having been truly heard and appreciated.

I loved it.

Lev Raphael has taught creative writing at Michigan State University. He edits, coaches, and mentors writers at writewithoutborders.com. He brings 40 years of publishing, reviewing, teaching, and editing experience to the table. You can contact him at his website above for a free consultation. And to all my new Substack followers: subscribing to this Substack will always be free + you’ll get weekly columns with an occasional extra like this one. :-)

Photo credit: Image by melancholiaphotography from Pixabay