08/09/2018
Ugh rejection letters...
On the off chance that the publisher does say something nasty or personal, don't get offended. This could actually be a really good sign. Because most publishers don't take the time to write individual rejection letters, it is extremely important to analyze a letter of this nature. The fact that they took time to comment on your work means something that could lead to much greater things.
Of course, there is always the chance that the publisher of such a letter is just a sick, twisted individual who wants to hurt you. If that's the case, it is extremely unprofessional of them to do so. But more likely, the criticism is directed at your work--not you personally. If that's the case, rejoice and read between the lines. If a publishers says something in their rejection letter like, 'I would have liked to hear more from Richard,' or 'I didn't feel Sarah came off as a real teenager,' or 'Crossing the Arctic on an elephant didn't seem realistic' etc. these are actually great cues for the writer to make the needed adjustments and resubmit to that publisher!
I know it may be a lot of work, but the end result may mean a contract. In my book, that's worth the work. No matter how wonderful you think you're book is, few writers ever get their work published in the first form they send to a publisher. Publishers like to tweak and analyze things. Literature is important to them, but never forget this is a business and so the bottom line is profit. Their job is to make sure the projects they pick sell.
For those who have yet to receive a personal rejection letter, take heart. Remember, every rejection letter you get takes you one step closer to being published. At least now you know who it won't be. Now it's just a matter of weeding out who it will be.
