This morning I received the most delightful story rejection I have ever had. I won’t say who sent it or which story it concerned, but here’s part of what it said:
“I absolutely loved it up to around Page 11. You’ve given us some of the best fiction we’ve ever published. If you’ve a mind to dream up a honking knock-my-socks-off second half to this piece, I’d run through molten lava to read it.”
So to the editor who sent this, I tip my glass of cranberry juice in an early-morning toast. Thank you! Your kind words have made my day.
An encouraging personal note from an editor is the next best thing to an acceptance. It definitely takes the bite out of the rejection.