Yes, well thought out and thorough rejection notes are good for writers to receive. I hope that you find a good home for your essay soon! Best wishes! Janet
Thanks, Janet. It's in the queue for review, but right now I'm working on a new short story as well as working with my editing clients. It'll be good to let it simmer.
The letter was very clear that they did not want to see a revision. The advice was how to make it better as is, not how to make it better *for them.* I've had enough rejections over the years to know when to re-submit and when not to.
Thanks Lev but you engage with me you gonna get copy : ) As I say this is really unusual. Editors know better than to engage with a rejected writer, an for good reason : (
A rejected writer with 27 books and hundreds of published essays, short stories, book reviews and blogs doesn't have to ignore a very clear message and chase after an editor's possible approval. I have better things to do.
Yes, well thought out and thorough rejection notes are good for writers to receive. I hope that you find a good home for your essay soon! Best wishes! Janet
Thanks, Janet. It's in the queue for review, but right now I'm working on a new short story as well as working with my editing clients. It'll be good to let it simmer.
Thanks so much for sharing this with us, Lev. That’s really a good example of how good editors should function in support of writers.
If there were world enough and time....
What an unusual rejection! I would have offered to rewrite with the "less-experienced audience" in mind 😊
Well, she thought if I did, then it would change the piece too much, and I agree.
I don't know how major the "major lit magazine" is. If Gettysburg or Harper's told me "I would publish but" I would say give me two hours : )
The letter was very clear that they did not want to see a revision. The advice was how to make it better as is, not how to make it better *for them.* I've had enough rejections over the years to know when to re-submit and when not to.
Thanks Lev but you engage with me you gonna get copy : ) As I say this is really unusual. Editors know better than to engage with a rejected writer, an for good reason : (
A rejected writer with 27 books and hundreds of published essays, short stories, book reviews and blogs doesn't have to ignore a very clear message and chase after an editor's possible approval. I have better things to do.
Yes Lev I'd say their loss. I usually get a form rejection if any. I wonder why : )
We should all be rejected so positively.
Wouldn't that be great?
Can you post the letter? I’d love to see it.
I'd prefer keeping it private--like the name of the lit mag.
Understood--but what a wonderful rejection! Were that we were all so lucky. It's a testament to your talent.
Thanks!
I never thought I'd be congratulating someone on being rejected...but congratulations! We should all be rejected that way!
Amen! I agreed with all her notes and comments and now I have excellent guidelines for revision.
That editor is a very special person. Kudos to you both.
Thanks. Her comments blew me away.
How insightful. From both of you!
Thanks!
This is lovely.
Lemonade, anyone? :-)
Prosecco for me. :-)
🥂