I received an email rejection from an agent who had said “thanks but no thanks” to my novel, The Strength of Secrets. I went to my trust log to record the rejection and could find no record that I had ever submitted to this agency.  Next I searched old emails, since I always BCC myself.  I had no email to or from that agency until I received the rejection.

Not one to jump to conclusions (tee hee) I said to my husband, “I received a rejection from some one I have no memory or record of ever querying.”

My husband who knows I suffer with severe writers rejection syndrome (SWRS), said with a smile, “So, now people are rejecting you even before you submit.”

AAARG! That is a writer’s worst nightmare: rejection BEFORE submission.

Despite receiving many rejections over the past 15 years, reading one is not getting any easier. Rejection makes me feel like a failure, unwanted, unloved and abandoned. If you feel the same, are discouraged because your publishing efforts all seem to be like feathers in the wind, blowing around but going nowhere, take these verses in Isaiah to heart. (Isaiah 41:9-10

  I took you from the ends of the earth,
   From the farthest corners I called you.
   I said, “You are my servant;
   I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
   So do not fear, for I am with you;
   Do not be dismayed for I am your God..
   I will strengthen you and help you,
   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Hold fast to these words when rejection pounds on your door. We have been chosen by God, he has not rejected us.

As for the mystery rejection, I finally located the email I had sent to this agency.

And the GOOD NEWS: My one act play that I submitted to the

30 by Ninety Teater national  one-act play competition is a finalist. Woo Hoo.  My play, Artistic Expressions, and the four other finalists will have their plays read at the theater. Those attending will vote on the best play and one lucky playwright will take home $500.