Rejection can be a stepping stone rather than a setback. The hosts share personal anecdotes about their experiences with rejection letters in the publishing world, revealing the lessons learned along the way. They discuss the evolving nature of manuscript submissions, from paper to digital, and how this shift has impacted authors. There's humor in their reflections on navigating the tumultuous publishing landscape. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of constructive criticism and building connections within the literary community.
29:47
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Quick takeaways
Personalized rejection letters can provide valuable feedback to writers, encouraging persistence and enhancing their craft based on specific insights.
Rejection should be viewed as a step towards success, as many authors have overcome numerous rejections before ultimately achieving their goals.
Deep dives
The Value of Personalized Rejections
Personalized rejection letters can be valuable feedback for writers, indicating that their work has genuine merit. A noteworthy example discussed involves a rejection letter from Dreamforge, which provided detailed praise for a submitted story. The feedback highlighted elements such as strong character development, effective world-building, and mature character voices, suggesting that the editor engaged with the piece thoughtfully. Such personalized rejections signal to writers that their writing is progressing, encouraging them to persist in their efforts and improve their craft.
Revisions and Future Opportunities
When receiving rejection letters, it is crucial for aspiring writers to recognize opportunities for resubmission. Editors may provide feedback indicating specific areas for improvement and can invite authors to revise their work. For instance, a past experience involving an agent exemplified this point; despite rejecting a manuscript, the agent expressed interest in future submissions, fostering continued communication. Future correspondence can imply a positive inclination, where editors want to see the writer's next project rather than revisions of the rejected piece.
Learning from the Journey
Every writer encounters rejection, and it's essential to view these experiences as steps toward success rather than obstacles. Anecdotes shared emphasize how rejections can be integral to a writer's development, as many notable authors faced numerous rejections before finding success. One humorous example mentioned is the 'Writer with No Future Award,' awarded for the heaviest collection of rejection letters. This perspective fosters resilience, encouraging aspiring writers to embrace rejection as part of their growth and journey in the industry.
Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells sit down to talk about the many rejection letters they have received from the many walks of life and how the publishing industry continues to baffle them.
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(0:00) - Dreamforge Rejection Letter (7:28) - First Personalized Rejection Letters (11:27) - Brandon's Most Respectful Rejection (14:15) - First Rejection (19:30) - Enjoying Taking Rejection (22:50) - Electronic Submission in Publishing (27:01) - Where is the Struggle of Publishing Starting?
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