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After having some short fiction pieces accepted by anthologies which don't pay, I've finally got my first rejection from a paying market. Ironically, the story is called Cruel Sparks and the person who rejected it is called Cat Sparks! Now to find somewhere else to submit it...
Comments
I was reading what a reputable agent had to say on this the other day, Stirling, and she said there was no point trying to read anything into the rejection message because she sends exactly the same one to all.
Well done, DB, for aiming high and better luck next time.
I like that Heather. It also shows the difference and the false sense of security that subbing to non paying gives.
I agree.
Out of all my rejections, it's very rare for me to get a straight form letter. Usually I get a few handwritten notes in the margins. My favourite is from David Higham Associates, and says 'pity.'
That was a fantastic ego boost.
Because he had liked it, but couldn't represent me [full list.]
I like that Heather. It also shows the difference and the false sense of security that subbing to non paying gives. [/quote]
I think there's truth in that. Even though non-paying anthologies still reject stories, it's perhaps a different kettle of fish to a paying market.
It was an email. I submitted the short story to a magazine which accepts email submissions.
Sadly, when I started off writing, I had no idea that rejection was the norm. So my first rejection, which was from Walker Books, and a personal letter, with the well known phrase, I really like this, but it's not right for our list, and the much lesser known phrase, I think you should send this to [three names], tell them I told you to send it, horrified me. I had been rejected, it was clearly not good enough. I did not send it out again!
That is progress Stirling! What a compliment. It means you're nearly there. Personalised rejections instead of form rejections? You're doing well.
Liz, I had that experience too. Sent out my first novel to two publishers, who both requested the full ms. Both sent a detailed letter back, saying what they liked about it and what they didn't, and saying they were sorry they couldn't publish but I should try elsewhere (though they didn't go as far as to suggest names). Two agents sent similar detailed replies. At that point, feeling all upset, I gave up and never sent that novel out again.
Only people brave enough to send anything out in the first place are going to get rejections - think about that! The only way to be never rejected is never to send, so well done for getting work 'out there'
And good luck with the next and the next and the next ...
Stirling, I agree with the others - positive negative responses are SO much more encouraging than standard rejections. You're off the bottom rung, just keep climbing! Good luck to you, too
As you develop as a writer (i.e. grow lots of layers of skin - handy for dealing with rejection and for coping with long hard winters) you will end up with lots of pieces 'out there' at any one time and the day when the 'man from Delmonte says Yes!' is ever closer...keep writing, keep subbing and good luck
I've sent my story to a critiquing service to see if there are some improvements I can make before submitting it elsewhere.
It's an Australian science magazine which includes SF fiction:
http://www.cosmosmagazine.com
Yeah, I know the critique is only one person's opinion, but hopefully it'll give me some useful feedback. It's only £12, so worth trying once or twice. I'm keen to learn as much as possible, especially as fiction is not something that comes naturally to me.
http://www.suite101.com/content/famous-authors-books-experienced-multiple-manuscript-rejections-a331241
The second list is interesting. I've lost out to Joanne Rowling but I'm still ahead of Stephenie Meyer.
I sent my ms (novel) by snail mail, 4pm last Thursday. Monday morning brought a standard e-mail from my chosen agents... "After careful consideration, blah, blah, blah" Careful consideration? In that space of time?
Well, obviously the first page must have left them cold. I've now added a prologue, switched chapters 1 and 2 around and rewritten the old chapter 1 which is now chapter 2. Already feel the novel is much improved because of it.
Will sit on it for a while, do a bit more agent research and try again.
Am going to have a look at that link now, Dwight.
Rejections usually have a positive effect on me, paradoxically. I think: Right mate, I'll show you. Then the old clip-board comes out and I plan the improvements. I am determined to make one or two of my then-cherished agents eat cake by making a literary name for myself.
Yeaahhhhhhhhh!!
Thanks. It's interesting that so far I've had a 100% success rate with non-paying publications, and a 100% failure rate with paying publications! My aim is still to get paid for stories and have several story ideas waiting to be written.
But hey, you've got your name in print, and you can put that in the letter with your next submission.
Thank you for sending us "The Blind Star." I have reviewed your story
and decided not to purchase it. The premise and execution was
interesting, but the story didn't really work for me.
Send us another!
Sincerely,
Submission Staff <[email protected]>
I got this rejection in my email just this morning. I was actually encouraged by it. Plus, the story in question was accepted by a non paying publisher last week.
Shaun
If they want you to send another story then it's very encouraging.
Shaun, that's definitely an encouraging rejection - they obviously like your style/voice but not that particular story - and you've already moved on with it, so that's great!
I don't write much fiction, but of the (approx) 12 fiction submissions I made this year I've had 7 acceptances - all non-paying!
Maybe I should stick to my non-fiction article writing!
:rolleyes:
I totally agree with Lily, Shaun, that they must like you if they're asking for another story. If I were you I would spend some time writing something tailor-made for this publication and send it as a return email so the submission staff know they have alread read and rated your work -then keep at it until they accept one! :)
I really appreciate your comments. Ahem, I will shuffle off now, sorry to hijack the thread a little, DeneBebbo
People's Friend have just bought one of mine, just as I was beginning to despair of hearing from them again!