By Moira K. Wiley

Keywords: rejection letter, rejection, writers

Getting a rejection doesn't mean your writing career is over. However, it is probably the hardest part of a writer's life to deal with. There isn't an easy way to accept the inevitable rejection letter, but all writers have had at least one or two, or even hundreds at some point in their lives. Even world-renowned horror author Stephen King received his share of rejection letters in the beginning. His first book, Carrie, was rejected many times before it was accepted and went on to become a bestseller and basis of a blockbuster, cult-classic movie.

The funny thing about rejection letters is that there are bad ones and good ones. What could possibly make a rejection good? Occasionally an editor chooses to critique the piece. This can be invaluable feedback for improving the material for possible future publication. The critique can also let you know that your piece is unsalvageable, but provide you with ways to improve your next attempt.

Any rejection letter with handwritten comments is a good rejection. Form letters are impersonal and nobody may have actually read the manuscript. If the editor takes the time to handwrite a message, odds are he actually read it. It helps writers feel important when they know an editor took time out of his busy schedule to send a personal note, even if it just says "good luck finding a home for your piece and thanks for submitting it." Hang on to these special rejection letters in a separate folder from the rest as they can be cherished resources for you in future projects.

Should you keep rejection letters? That depends on the writer. Some writers paper the walls of their office with them to motivate them to try harder. Others shred them the instant they get them so they don't dwell on them. Whatever you decide to do with yours, above all, don't let a rejection dampen your determination to write or discourage you from trying to get published. The more you write and heed the feedback you receive, the better writer you are bound to become. After all, perseverance goes a long way.

Moira K. Wiley has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. She has 400-plus published articles to her credit appearing in various magazines, trade journals, newspapers and online publications. Mostly writing nonfiction, she also enjoys writing poetry and short stories and had both included in the cozy crime anthology, Almostly Murder.with pets published by Padlock Mystery Press. She's a former president of Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. and currently resides in Stillwater with her big, lovable pit bull, Achilles.

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