I totally do this ā the list of rejections. Iām always a little excited to add to my spreadsheet a new rejection. It means I can add to my list. It makes me feel more experienced.
Academics share these experiences, including automation, except that we normally get referee reports on how bad our papers are. "Desk rejections", where the paper is sent straight back are less common.
Having been a prolific writer of journal articles for most of my career, and being located outside the charmed circle of high-status US universities (where you can shop your article around before submitting it), I've accumulated hundreds of rejections. I once got three rejections in one day.
As Maggie Smith says, you need to learn not to take this personally. One thing I have learned to do is to think "if/when this journal rejects me, here's the next one I will try"
Thank you for your terrific conversation with Maggie Smith, whose pep talks in "Dear Writer" are sure to benefit so many writers in all genres, not just poets (as you both said). An uplifting, enjoyable discussion!
Just when I start wondering whether I should give up, which is a thought that has occurred often in the so-far six-year road to writing and now querying my memoir, I'll read an article like this and realize my journey isn't complete; I must keep trying. Six years really isn't all that long. Agent rejections pile up, but I haven't gotten through my entire list yet, and my memoir won an award, so, counting my blessings, I soldier on. Thanks for the necessary and kind encouragement.
"I also want to say this about rejection: Every no makes room for a yes." - As someone who just sent out a batch of query letters and has received rejections already, I really needed to hear this. Thank you!
Iāve been meaning to thank you for posting this (as another rejection rolled in today, lol). I got my first rejection with actual, personal feedback right when this excerpt dropped in my inboxāthe two balanced each other out: the encouraging-but-still-no (which my body in the moment felt as worse than outright boilerplate) and a reminder of the unseen CV. The excerpt gave perspective beyond the gut feeling of no = rejection = no good.
I totally do this ā the list of rejections. Iām always a little excited to add to my spreadsheet a new rejection. It means I can add to my list. It makes me feel more experienced.
Yea!! Data science for the win!!
Academics share these experiences, including automation, except that we normally get referee reports on how bad our papers are. "Desk rejections", where the paper is sent straight back are less common.
Having been a prolific writer of journal articles for most of my career, and being located outside the charmed circle of high-status US universities (where you can shop your article around before submitting it), I've accumulated hundreds of rejections. I once got three rejections in one day.
As Maggie Smith says, you need to learn not to take this personally. One thing I have learned to do is to think "if/when this journal rejects me, here's the next one I will try"
Loved this excerpt! Iām going to see Maggie at the MLK Jr. Library tonight in DC - canāt wait!
Loved it! Thanks for sharing ā¤ļø
Thank you for your terrific conversation with Maggie Smith, whose pep talks in "Dear Writer" are sure to benefit so many writers in all genres, not just poets (as you both said). An uplifting, enjoyable discussion!
Just when I start wondering whether I should give up, which is a thought that has occurred often in the so-far six-year road to writing and now querying my memoir, I'll read an article like this and realize my journey isn't complete; I must keep trying. Six years really isn't all that long. Agent rejections pile up, but I haven't gotten through my entire list yet, and my memoir won an award, so, counting my blessings, I soldier on. Thanks for the necessary and kind encouragement.
On a course so I will look at it soonest. If you missed David Sedaris yesterday on Radio 4 use catch-up or similar. Laugh out loud.
loved the violet analogy
Thanks for sharing! Yes, every rejection is closer to an acceptance.
"I also want to say this about rejection: Every no makes room for a yes." - As someone who just sent out a batch of query letters and has received rejections already, I really needed to hear this. Thank you!
Hi Maggie! š I just joined Substack
So beautiful and encouraging.
Iāve been meaning to thank you for posting this (as another rejection rolled in today, lol). I got my first rejection with actual, personal feedback right when this excerpt dropped in my inboxāthe two balanced each other out: the encouraging-but-still-no (which my body in the moment felt as worse than outright boilerplate) and a reminder of the unseen CV. The excerpt gave perspective beyond the gut feeling of no = rejection = no good.
Maggie says:
"Sometimes you donāt know that a loss isnāt a loss, because what it makes space for is better"
This Universal Statement on the human experience is so concise, so perfect, it's going on my white board today š
What a beautiful post and a reminder to keep playing the long game. Thank you.
Needed to hear this again this week. Thank you Maggie!