Nicest rejection yet.

This is the nicest rejection I've received yet. I feel like maybe I can buck-up enough for send out another batch in a few weeks.

John,

I enjoyed your story very much. I’d have loved to see the looks on those kids’ faces. Unfortunately, though, at this time, we don’t have any openings for humor stories in **********.

Thank you for your interest in the magazine. Have a good afternoon.

 

you know what. You should give them more stories! I like these guys all ready.

Ask when the next opening for a story is. Then you can tell them that you can wait for them to open some things up. Once you get your foot in the door your toe will start to throb. Or something like that.

 

frame it!

 

Agreed.

 

Dang, it's not really that bad out there is it? I've gotten personal responses from about 40% of my queries. Is that percentage not typical?

 

I don't know. I have never gotten a responce to any of mine. You should frame it all the same.

 

You're lucky to hear anything in response to a rejected piece. Normally you don't.

I'd say just keep it and submit your story to the next publisher. Whether or not that was a template response is up to debate but he did mention he liked your story. Take it as a compliment if nothing else.

Hope you do find someone that publishes your story though. Always great to hear success stories.

Caleb

 

A personal letter is always a good sign. Most people just get a form rejection. The fact that the editor liked your story enough to write a personal note means there's a good chance the next one could get published.

 

I've gotten a few "reject plus" type responses this year. It must mean you're close! That you can taste it.

 

It is certainly encouraging that the editor took the time to write a personal note. I would agree that, if they do not have a no re-submission policy, to resubmit to them with the story later. (Asking when that might be is a good idea.) But, otherwise, submit something else to them. Ride the coat tails of a personal rejection (a really nice one, at least). If they see something immediately from you, they might remember and read it faster. Give it more of a chance.

If not, hey! it was worth a shot.

B

 

I got another nice one back today:

Dear Mr. ******:

Thanks for this interesting personal narrative; it's not the sort of
thing we tend to run though.

best,
****** *******
Senior Editor, ****** magazine