Hit 100 rejection letters last week and honestly it kind of feels good

I've been sending out short stories to magazines for about 4 years now. Last Thursday I got my 100th rejection email, a polite no from a small lit mag in Portland. When I started writing I thought I'd quit after 10 rejections, but now seeing that number just makes me feel like a real writer. Each one taught me something about my own style or how to write a better query letter. The crazy part is I actually have 3 acceptances mixed in there too, so it's not all bad. Anyone else keep a running count of their rejections or am I just weird like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

hall.nina3d ago

Portland lit mags might reject everyone, but hitting triple digits is a whole different vibe. 100 no's means you actually put in the work and sent stuff out consistently for years, that's more than most people do. Those 3 acceptances mixed in are proof the process works, the rejections just bought you the ticket to get there.

margaret_williams53d ago

Portland lit mags reject everyone, it's not that deep.

miles722d ago

Man, I hit like 50 rejections before my first acceptance came through, and that 51st email felt like a total surprise. Your 100 mark is wild, it shows real dedication to just keep sending stuff out even when the nos pile up. Those 3 acceptances make the whole thing worth it, they prove your writing is connecting with someone out there.