“If you’re a freelance writer and aren’t used to being ignored, neglected, and generally given short shrift, you must not have been in the business very long.”

– Poppy Brite –

In my nine years of working for myself as a writer, this is one thing I know; it’s that the one thing you HAVE to get used to being told no. Actually, wait, no. To wit, a writer is lucky if they receive a, “no.”

I actually like receiving the “Thanks, but no thanks,” email from an editor, because it’s life-affirming proof that they DO read your emails. And what’s more affirming is that something about your email caught their eye just long enough to disinterest them. Oh and when an editor tells you WHY your idea sucks (that’s hyperbole) or that you should pitch some other publication… manna from heaven. It’s the no’s that shape you and the criticism that helps you grow.

That said, get used to being ignored. I’m pretty sure the Internet is a black hole.