How to Effectively Respond to Rejection of Your Writing
M. Francis Enright is co-creator with John Brancaccio of The Working Experience. He is also a filmmaker and published author. Listen to full episodes on iTunes and Spotify and visit our website: theworkingexperience.com for videos, merchandise and more. You can also find us on Facebook, Linked In, Instagram, and Twitter.
Like most authors, my work gets rejected all the time. I can’t tell you how many form emails I have received that read:
Dear Mr. Enright,
Thank for submitting your story, ____________, to Ass Nuts Quarterly. Unfortunately, your piece does not meet our needs at this time. We realize how much time and effort goes into writing and we are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to read your work. Best of luck placing your story with another publication and please keep us in mind in the future.
Regards,
The Editors
It’s tough facing rejection after rejection after rejection. I used to just delete these emails out of spite. But lately I have started responding in the hope of opening a meaningful dialogue with the editors.
Dear Editors,
Your publication is sucks and you are all ignorant assh*les. I didn’t want my story in your piece of sh*t quarterly anyway, so I am retracting my submission. My writing is great, and you are all just hacks who are jealous of my talent. I’d write more but words fail me.
Yours in Anger,
Francis
That will give them something to think about.
