Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:25am

I got a shitty rejection letter from a publisher. I am dealing with a move, family issues (hence the move) and I kind of got shitty with two of my lady friends this morning and they are not happy. Also, I am hungry as shit! ALSO FUUUUCKKK!   Also, I kind of got butt-hurt about Averydolls review (which she didn't deserve) and told her as much. Also, I slept like 3 hours last night. 

SOCK IT TO ME! 

Brandon's picture
Brandon from KCMO is reading Made to Break February 22, 2012 - 8:32am

How was the rejection letter shitty?

.'s picture
. February 22, 2012 - 8:33am

Yeah stop bitching. Okay, so I mean it in the nicest way possible but I'm living in my car so....yeah. 

At least you don't have a gay Siamese twin thats on a date and you have the only asshole. 

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:33am

Um, just didn't come across well. Talked about the market and how certain protagonists don't work in that niche. Demographics, all that stuff. A lot of BS objections, but nothing concrete. 

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:34am

Yeah stop bitching. Okay, so I mean it in the nicest way possible but I'm living in my car so....yeah."

 

Now that does kind of make me feel a little better and lucky. Just what I needed sir. 

Brandon's picture
Brandon from KCMO is reading Made to Break February 22, 2012 - 8:36am

Sounds like they tried to explain why your story didn't work for them as opposed to giving you a flat-out 'no.'  Most places won't go through the trouble.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:37am

Sounds like they tried to explain why your story didn't work for them as opposed to giving you a flat-out 'no.'  Most places won't go through the trouble."

 

Yeah, just with the publishing industry in flux, they're all looking for some giant novel to get movie deals and such. Not to mention a lot won't even touch you without an agent and some agents wont touch you without something published. 

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest February 22, 2012 - 8:38am

Use it SS motivation. When your book sells a million copies, they'll be kicking themselves in the ass. Every writer's gotten one.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:39am

Use it SS motivation. When your book sells a million copies, they'll be kicking themselves in the ass. Every writer's gotten one."

You know I heard when Maroon  5 (ugh, I know) sent their demo in, some record company president literally threw it out the window of his car. A few months later they are signed and sold millions....

.'s picture
. February 22, 2012 - 8:40am

Okay for serious though. Rejection letters are worse than getting cock blocked. They never get better.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:40am

Not bad gents. Spot on. Thanks! I might as well name this, "the official butt-hurt thread"

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:41am

Okay for serious though. Rejection letters are worse than getting cock blocked. They never get better."

I did like Rens example, but yeah, they aren't easy at all. I suppose we should all just get used to it. 

Jose F. Diaz's picture
Jose F. Diaz from Boston is reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel February 22, 2012 - 8:42am

Fells. 6. Beer. Food. Riptide.

Let me know.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:43am

Fells. 6. Beer. Food. Riptide."

 

I like where you're going...perhaps. Let me check the ol schedule. Fells Point and beer would be kind of nice right about now....

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:44am

Totally forgot, got meetings tonight until 630, how about Sunday?

Brandon's picture
Brandon from KCMO is reading Made to Break February 22, 2012 - 8:45am

Everybody gets rejection letters.  Dwelling on them doesn't achieve anything.

 

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:48am

Agreed. Just kind of like shitting on your MS....but you're right. 

Jose F. Diaz's picture
Jose F. Diaz from Boston is reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel February 22, 2012 - 8:49am

We'll see how you're feeling and determine then. 

I don't get rejection letters. I have yet to polish a turd and submit it. At least you have the balls to put your stuff out there and take the hit. There are plenty of us who talk the talk and rarely walk the walk. 

You're one rejection letter closer to an acceptance letter.

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 8:53am

Hey, I got a story rejected from two places just yesterday.  I didn't need a thread for it.

Also, they weren't nice enough to tell me why they didn't want it.  Just a standard rejection.  Count yourself lucky if you got something personalized.

Suck it up, buttercup.

 

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:54am

You're one rejection letter closer to an acceptance letter."

 

Love it, you're totally right. You're the man! Also, I havn't forgot, I am buying this time. Just let me know if Sunday works, we could even do like lunch or something. Though I am not stepping foot into Max's, I was bouncer there when I first moved here, no thanks. 

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:55am
Suck it up, buttercup."
 
Ha! Yeah, in my feelings today. Ill get over it. 
Brandon's picture
Brandon from KCMO is reading Made to Break February 22, 2012 - 8:56am

Put some of your posting energy into your writing.  You've posted more in the last eleven days than I have in five months...and I work here.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 8:57am

Put some of your posting energy into your writing.  You've posted more in the last eleven days than I have in five months...and I work here."

 

This is true- bored at work mostly. Good point though. 

Jose F. Diaz's picture
Jose F. Diaz from Boston is reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel February 22, 2012 - 8:57am

And I'm sure Dave told you to check your feelings at the door....so....

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 9:01am

True that, well, now I feel like a tool and kind of attention-whore-y. I'll keep pluggin along. No more butt hurt. 

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 9:05am

"Also, I kind of got butt-hurt about Averydolls review (which she didn't deserve) and told her as much."

Sorry - I missed this the first time.  As I said, and I repeat it here for the masses, I take the workshop seriously.  I joke here - there is business.  I pay for that shit. 

bryanhowie's picture
bryanhowie from FW, ID is reading East of Eden. Steinbeck is FUCKING AMAZING. February 22, 2012 - 9:09am

Change the rejection letter into a break-up letter and tell a new story about a relationship.

The secret here, and this is why I want to read this story (somebody better write it), is that the two people were never in a relationship.  The protagonist had only written a letter to the guy/girl in an effort to woo him/her.  The 'break-up' letter is the response to that letter.

This could go a few ways, but these are my initial ideas:

1) the break-up letter comes from an english professor and talks about the literary merits of the introduction/wooing letter (this would be an analogy for people submitting stories to markets)

2) the break-up letter is revealed in the end to be a restraining order.

 

Free idea... any takers?  Tell 'em Howie sent ya.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 9:11am

You are probably one of the more serious reviewers out there....some of them? (Not naming names) Not so much. Totally not like me to bitch and moan, or get like I am with this thread, Ill get over it (all of it), kind of feel like an idiot now. 

 

 

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 9:13am

@bryanhowie--- yeah, if the publishing industry was a woman, I would have dumped her ass. Haha, I wouldn't mind seeing what someone comes up with. 

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry February 22, 2012 - 10:29am

Shit.  I am going to severely reduce my participation on the threads now in an effort to let Brandon catch up. 

No child left behind!

Brandon's picture
Brandon from KCMO is reading Made to Break February 22, 2012 - 10:40am

Post all you want, but I never want to hear you guys complain about never getting anything done.

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry February 22, 2012 - 10:42am

I never get anything done.

Ha!

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 10:47am

Yeah- work would be a lot more boring with this. I get plenty done, but this lightens the mood. 

aliensoul77's picture
aliensoul77 from a cold distant star is reading the writing on the wall. February 22, 2012 - 11:41am

Gay siamese twin, only asshole. I get it, Dakota! Hahahahhahahah

Boone Spaulding's picture
Boone Spaulding from Coldwater, Michigan, U.S.A. is reading Solarcide Presents: Nova Parade February 22, 2012 - 3:34pm

Change the name of this thread to Suck It Up Buttercup!!!

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 3:38pm

I really should. 

Profunda Saint-Sylvain's picture
Profunda Saint-... from Calgary, AB is reading Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy Series February 22, 2012 - 4:10pm

^He really did.

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 4:15pm

I feel good about this. 

I've accomplished something today.

Boone Spaulding's picture
Boone Spaulding from Coldwater, Michigan, U.S.A. is reading Solarcide Presents: Nova Parade February 22, 2012 - 4:24pm

I like it! Now, it's an affirmation thread - something everyone who's received rejections needs to read (because other's suffering is interesting....)

Nick's picture
Nick from Toronto is reading Adjustment Day February 22, 2012 - 4:29pm

.... you have *two* lady friends?.... Wait, is this a "my life is awesome" thread?

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 4:51pm

.... you have *two* lady friends?.... Wait, is this a "my life is awesome" thread?"

 

Double the trouble sir. haha, They know I am moving so, it's not too serious. I mean, I would be dating more, but ya know....and its not like all three of us sleep in the same bed every  night or something....just...I am not sure how to describe it.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 4:51pm

I like it! Now, it's an affirmation thread - something everyone who's received rejections needs to read (because other's suffering is interesting....)"

Agreed. 

JonnyGibbings's picture
JonnyGibbings February 23, 2012 - 10:20am

It's a tough one. I think I'd rather get a big negative than just a no. The body of work I read, many are offended by, or think it's dark or nihilistic etc. A bad reaction isn't necessarily bad, just that it might not be them. But at least it gives you ammo and perspective as to your goals.

I had rejections from agents who have since said "You should have sent it to me - it's my type of thing" So don't let it twist you up, especially if in a shitty place. Right here on this site, I value the opinions more than any dick-necked agent. If you believe in it and like it, keep on putting it out there. Yet if what you've been told hurts but it's right… use it. Make it better.

Also, all the anger, hurt, pain futile rage your feeling right now, record it. Be it by memo, digital recording or type it - vent. Anger and hurt is a gift, we spend most of our life avoiding it. Get it down, so you can use it later. Real feelings add so much more texture. Might be handy for this work or the next.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 23, 2012 - 10:21am

Well this isn't the first time I have seen this type of rejection. Apparently you can't sell books in the US if your character isn't American, or if it is based mostly overseas even with American characters. I think you can push the limit once you establish yourself, but your first time at bat they seem to want a sure-bet. I guess after considering Averydolls statement I really don't see too many "cut and paste" type rejection letters so I reckon it is a compliment in a way. 

 

Edit response to your edit response: Yeah the short I am working on right now (beyond thunderdome) is getting that sort of venom. 

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry February 23, 2012 - 10:30am

People are already hating your Avery fight-story?

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry February 23, 2012 - 10:30am

Oh.  I get it.  You are directing your rage into your Avery fight-story.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 23, 2012 - 10:31am

No. I am sort of.....I guess....channeling all of that into the story. 

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 23, 2012 - 10:31am

No, I think he meant the first one.

Clutch's picture
Clutch from Detroit Metro Area now living in Charlotte, NC is reading "The Spooky Art" by Norman Mailer February 23, 2012 - 10:31am

Consider yourself fortunate, Matt. I look forward to the day I receive a rejection letter from an agent. That will mean I finished my novel and got it out there, which is something you've accomplished. I've not.

Sure, I've received my fair share of rejection letters (from mags for short stories and for ad agency copywriter jobs I applied to over the years), and they do sting, but it gets easier the more of them you get.

I've been rejected from pretty much every decent ad agency around. Have a stack of letters to show for it. BUT, I did eventually get in due to blind determination and I worked on auto ad accounts for years before I got out of it.

Just keep at it.

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 23, 2012 - 10:32am

"Apparently you can't sell books in the US if your character isn't American, or if it is based mostly overseas even with American characters."

You should read more books.  This statement is false. 

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry February 23, 2012 - 10:33am

Now see, what I think should happen right here is that Clutch should challenge someone to a Beyond Thunderdome Writer Battle. 

I believe in you, Clutch.

Grab your sap and your heater and lay down a gauntlet on somebody.