Rejection is like dating – it’s a numbers game. For every say ten times you send out a story, ask for a booking, request a sale, etc. etc. you might get one positive response.
Let’s get the rejections out of the way. Rejections from The Baltimore Review, The Missouri Review, and One Story. The Baltimore Review rejection was pretty sad and almost ONE WHOLE YEAR after I submitted to them. It started with “Dear Writer.” You know the least they can do is figure out how to insert your name into the auto-response so it doesn’t seem so cold. But maybe this is their lowest tiered rejection, a way to make sure you never submit again. Got it, thanks!
The others were good. The Missouri Review’s (under two months) was not personal this time, but it was the better rejection – the one where they encourage you to submit again. I did. One Story(under seven months) said they liked my story and want to see more (still a generic rejection, but a higher up generic rejection). I sent them another story.
Okay the fun part – acceptances. None for stories, but I did get a booking in Los Angeles at Chevalier’s Books! Not only have they been courteous and prompt, but incredibly supportive. I am going to tell all my LA and SoCal friends about them, and I will make sure that every time I go back to LA (which is often), I stop there and buy something. They are incredible. I am so excited. I also spoke to someone at Collected Works in Santa Fe who has also expressed interest. Another amazing, amazing bookstore. Yay! These two signs of “progress” really made my day yesterday.
It’s been a hard week, but I’m really proud of myself for not giving up. Tenacity is a must in this business. And I’m proud of myself for learning along the way and not letting rejection get to me (for the most part). Now I have to figure out how to sleep better at night. Go underdogs!!
