Rejection Letters- From a Positive Perspective

I have two sons.  My eldest is the quiet and obedient one who  is wise beyond his years.  My youngest son...well, let's just say that I try to look at him with a positive perspective.  Here is how I would describe him:

He is a good negotiator

(translation:  he's sometimes spoiled and gets what he wants)

He has perseverance

(translation:  he whines)

He has good leadership skills

(translation:  he is bossy)

He takes a stand on what he believes 

(translation:  he is stubborn)

He is very passionate

(translation:  he gets temper tantrums)

When I received a rejection letter from a publisher, I couldn't help but wonder about the hidden message behind the fluff.  In other words, what are they really trying to tell me? Here's how I read into their messages:

It does not fit our editorial needs

(translation:  It's not up to our standards because...it sucked.)

We hope that you will be successful in placing it elsewhere

(translation:  Go find somewhere else to submit because...it sucked.)

Be assured your submission received close consideration.

(translation:  We hoped it was good, but it wasn't because...it sucked.)

Okay...I'm sure that's not what they're really saying, but I know that's how some of us take it. 

From now on, I propose that we look at our rejection letters in a new light! 

 "Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results." ~Willie Nelson

With a new outlook and a new attitude, here is what your rejection letter is telling you:

It does not fit our editorial needs

(translation:  We are not worthy of your outstanding manuscript.)

We hope that you will be successful in placing it elsewhere

(translation:  Your story is so awesome that we think you deserve better.)

Be assured your submission received close consideration.

(translation:  We are honored that you chose us to submit to, but we can't accept your manuscript because it's just too good for us.)

Okay, I went a little overboard on the translation. But it doesn't hurt to drown our sorrows in a bowl of ice cream drizzled with chocolate syrup, a wallop of whipped cream, and a cherry on top. 

www.sxc.hu

As long as you did your research, had your manuscript critiqued and revised numerous times, is as best as it can be and you are in love with your story, then know that your manuscript will find its way to the right publisher for you. 

So hold your head high and think positive.  Better than that, keep on writing!  The more stories you write, the better the chances of you finding that gem that will land you a contract instead of a rejection letter. 

" A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." ~Winston Churchill

If you received a rejection letter and need something to make you feel better about it, I recommend reading the following posts:

It's Not You, It's Me
http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2009/06/its-not-you-its-me.html

Decoding Query Rejections
http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/decoding-query-rejections/

Subjective- A New Look at Rejections
http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws03/subjective.shtml

7 Reasons Your Manuscript Might be Rejected:
http://www.darcypattison.com/marketing/7-reasons-your-manuscript-might-be-rejected/