Rejection letters from magazines and writing contests can feel like bad break-ups. Vague phrases like "Your story wasn't for us" or "We couldn't find room in our pages for your work" are the absolute worst kind of constructive criticism. The response is formulaic and artless. The editors that only have time to dash off a quick letter of refusal need to re-evaluate the process of creativity and writing.
Any writer who is serious about his work wants editors to tear the story apart. Real comments that reference style, structure, genre, and dialogue are what a writer needs to improve. Scathing criticism fuels passionate revising and the honing of skill. Straight forward reactions to our stories is the most all of us writer's hope for. We want to know the gory details of why the piece of writing fell flat on its face.
Not every magazine and contest will accept everything that lands in the mail. And, they shouldn't. The market needs to thrive on quality writing and well-crafted stories. Some of my work meets the grade, and some does not. But, when I receive rejection letters, I feel cheated if it's an obvious form letter response to my hard work.
Over the years, I have kept every rejection letter I have ever received. Most of the letters are anonymous and disconnected from the real struggles of being a creative writer. But, the select few that directly reference my work, are great inspirations. I reread them on occasion, and once again become recharged and ready to write. The comments may be blunt or even downright harsh, but the editor cared enough to pen an original response.
Keep every rejection letter and frame the ones that are truly inspirational.
Because in the end, it's you, and not them, who has to persevere as a writer.
