In the publishing world, rejections happen. They are inevitable. What I'd like to suggest when you receive one is walk away. Log out of your email. Drink a Coke. Eat a brownie.No matter how great the temptation, please, please, please don't reply to the editor and belittle their opinion, curse the gods of moneymaking, curse the editor, mention you're the next best thing in e-publishing, or any of the thousand other responses you could have (and are rightfully feeling).
No one likes to be rejected -- no one! Regardless if the rejection is from a potential love interest, employer, or e-publisher, that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt your feelings or make you mad. I understand; I sympathize.
But, if you must reply, simply say "Thank you," and return to your Coke and brownie.
A good rule of thumb is also to never email the editor and ask if you change this, that and the other, can you resubmit it -- even if they make suggestions for improvement in their rejection letter. I was an editor once, and it puts the editor in an awkward situation when you do this, because if they'd wanted you to revise and resubmit, they'd have asked you to, and it puts you in an awkward spot, too, when they respond with a firm "no."
ReplyDeleteI agree completely -- just walk away from rejections. Delete the emails. Throw the letters away. Chock it off to another one that's not right for you then tell yourself something better is on its way. And believe that. :)