Time to Write

How NOT to respond to rejection

Publisher Lee Goldberg recently related how an aspiring novelist responded when Goldberg sent him a polite rejection of his manuscript. The author wrote:

"Keep printing the same redundant s**t, arrogant ass, just remember the title of this book, u will see it on the best seller list, ***hole."

When Goldberg pointed out this is not the way to win friends in the publishing world, the aspiring novelist apologized for lashing out, but still maintained that his work is brilliant and there's no way that Goldberg could have rejected it so quickly if he'd really read it.

Goldberg added, "It was terrible."

Not only terrible work gets rejected, of course. There are dozens of examples of books and screenplays rejected multiple times before finally achieving publication or production and massive success.

But no matter how convinced you are that the people rejecting your work are clueless and will someday regret their decision, keep it to yourself. The film and publishing worlds both are small and making enemies can catch up with you quickly.

Usually there's no need to reply to a rejection unless the person sending it has given you some constructive feedback. In that case, the proper response is a brief thank-you--even if you don't think it was right. You don't have to pretend you agree, something like 'Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback" is fine.

And don't call them an ***hole.

Capture your ideas quickly or else!

"You have about ten minutes to act on an idea before it recedes back into dreamland so when  you're excited about an idea, start writing about it immediately." -- Buckminster Fuller

This is especially important if you have an idea just as you are waking up or falling asleep. Often those ideas are the most creative because they carry a little of your dreaming self. 

If you keep a notepad by your bedside you'll be less likely to let an idea escape. Some people prefer to use their phone to record their thoughts, either in a notes app or by recording a voice memo. 

Remember not to judge your idea as soon as it pops up--that stops the flow. Sure, many of these ideas will not be worth pursuing, but if even one out of ten has value, that makes the process worthwhile.

PS: If you're not familiar with Buckminster Fuller, check out his Wikipedia profile. Born in 1895, he was an inventor and visionary. Long before most people gave it much thought, he advocated using renewable energy and doing more with less. He hoped for an age of "omni-successful education and sustenance of all humanity."