So … a week or so ago I submitted a flash fiction story to a flash fiction website. Two days ago, I got a rejection email.
Thank you for submitting your story, “Working Man.” Unfortunately, we have decided not to publish it. To date, we have reviewed many strong stories that we did not take. Either the fit was wrong or we’d just taken tales with a similar theme or any of a half dozen other reasons.
Best success selling this story elsewhere.
And it occurs to me … I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a rejection letter before. I have sent samples of my work to Marvel and DC, and I have submitted nonfiction essays for other websites. I never heard back on any of those pieces. I think this is the first time I’ve gotten an actual rejection letter.
I self-publish most of my stuff, so there’s never really a question of rejection. I don’t have any editorial process other than my personal taste and the Panel critique.
I move enough books to feel decent about my abilities, but I’m not exactly setting the indie comix world on fire. I always assumed that was because of lack of hustle, but I guess now I should consider the possibility that I’m not as talented as I thought.
Nah, it can’t be that. I’m going to assume I lack polish, and I just need to get out there and pitch some more. Some people I know have whole walls devoted to rejection letters, and they’re doing pretty well. I just need to rack up more rejections of my own.
Animated Kirk says: Press on!
