Writing is not for the faint of heart. Nearly every step of the way involves rejection, especially if you put your work out there and want to be read. Rejections come from agents, publishers, and sometimes even readers.

Here are two examples from my files of what they call in the biz a “good” rejection. How the words ‘good’ and ‘rejection’ can be used together in one sentence is questionable. But while all rejections are hard, these are also heartening. See if you agree with me.

Dear Susan,

Thank you so much for sending me [xyz] but sadly I must turn down the opportunity of representing your novel. I found much to admire in these pages, and it’s clear you are a talented writer but I’m afraid I simply did not connect fully enough with this material to feel I could champion your work effectively.

I wish I wasn’t sending such a disappointing response and I hope you find a terrific agent soon. This is an impressive manuscript so I have no doubt you will find the perfect advocate – good luck and very best wishes. With regrets….[super agent to the stars]

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Here’s one for a different manuscript:

Dear Susan,

Apologies for taking so long to get to [qrs] I read the manuscript when you first sent it, then put it away to read again later, as I wanted to think about it before looking at it again. I read it again this weekend and although there are so many things I love about it, I’ve come to the difficult decision to pass on it. What I love about the book is the smart, funny voice of the narrator. It would not be overstating it to say that she is reminiscent of Harper Lee’s Scout. And the two lead characters are beautifully crafted. I feel like I know them quite well.

(But:……. I’ll spare you the details since you don’t know the story and it won’t make any sense to you, but it wasn’t anything big or horrible. Then she kept going. Very sweet of her, actually.)

It’s because I like your writing so much that I’m trying to explain this. I hope it makes sense. I’d love to read more of your work.

Thanks for letting me take a look at this. I’m sorry that in the end it wasn’t right for me. I think you’re hugely talented. 

…..Executive Editor, [Random House imprint]

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I have to admit I like the part about being “hugely talented,” and any time you get compared to Harper Lee it’s time to throw a party! So that’s the heartening part. However, the longer I do this (15+ years and counting) the more I realize that writing takes courage and perseverance, as well as a belief in yourself and your work. Rejections are hard, no matter how good those rejection letters get.

Are you good at taking rejection? Thoughts? Questions? As always, I’d love to hear from you.

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Update: The Secret Sense of Wildflower AUDIO book is now available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes!