Yes, I used to be Editor of the Parish Bulletin once and did most of the filling out, of course there was the running after people for rosters and such but it was ink on paper with my name on it.
Carl, I found the last line of letter insulting. “Paper mill” – really. Surely, one would be expected to start sentences with capital letters and use appropriate ink. I ate the 1,2, 3 list. If it were me, I would probably lose my temper and send them a f*** you letter back. I will never do publishing with this company. I self-publish to save the heartache of rejection letters or someone saying “I don’t like your work.” Don’t let someone break your spirit and your dreams. 🙂 Anne
I really like people like you-always supportive. It is despairing to get rejections but it’s OK Anne, this one is fiction and just a joke and satire on rejection letters.
I wouldn’t take seriously this response to your manuscript Carl, for those in Publishing they seem to have very little knowledge about writing and our concentration span which is at best 20 minutes, this is why we need stimulants such as colour or Pictures and Animation, it does not last long without them, we even need punctuation to help this, no doubt it is why God gave Mankind this knowledge even if some misuse it.
You are always so kind to me and considerate, Annie. What you say is true but don’t take the letter seriously. It is fake and meant to be silly satire.
Thanks for explaining Carl I should have realized with this being a mostly humongous Blog but I was angry they put you down in such a Saccharine sweet way, sooooooooooo good it was a joke.
I’m sure there are many more in your Corner Carl, as the Body of Christ we stick together or we are not part of His Body, Love and Loyalty go together.
Reblogged this on Writer's Treasure Chest and commented:
This is worth quite a laugh. Just try not to drink or eat while reading it in consideration of your monitor. Have fun!
Ha!!! Hilarious Carl. However if I got a letter like that I wouldn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Someone left a comment on one of my comics once that said: “Your comics are quite unique in that you don’t seem to think like normal people”
I wasn’t sure if it was a compliment or if they were saying that my comic ideas were lousy…
Reblogged this on Grumpa Joe's Place and commented:
As I near the completion of my book, my knees begin to quiver with anticipation of the publisher’s response. Hopefully, it will be as creative as the one below, and not a sterile, cold put down.
Carl: When I first began reading, I thought this can’t be true. Then as I kept going, I realized the title of y9our blog and the light went on. Thanks for a really creative bit of whimsy, I needed that today.
Glad the lights went on. Some long time followers were angry at the editor being so rude to me and indignant and very supportive. I appreciated that and think they eventually caught on. However, getting those rejection form letters ain’t so funny for all of us that have tried so hard over the years. Blogging is a good outlet though if only for the delightful people you meet.
The rejection reminds me of the story of the Nigthingale and the Coco. The Nightingale was a great singer but the Coco won in a singing competition because it was his language that the judge understood. Judgement depends on the judge’s ability to judge. A great piece of work can be dismissed by a judge who does not understand it. That is why some rejected works have ended up as masterpieces. tHnks for the entertainment; and lesson.
Seems like the entire publishing world does not understand. I’ve had a few cartoons published though and in the early 80’s I used to write political editorials for a newspaper for two years. Many artists and writers that follow here are so incredibly talented and have been unsuccessful at publishing. Well they certainly impressed me. This is why I have showcased about 70 people as guests on the blog over the years. I hoped it helped them.
Yes, about 20 new subscribers so far today. Meeting the people and following each other is a very enriching part of my life. Glad I met you especially.
I started writing in my fifties, so I get it. My favorite rejects are the ones that arrive instantaneously after sending the query, like an out-of-office reply. At least they aren’t shy about admitting they didn’t read it.
I went the way of small press for the first 6 books. Then recently I started self-publishing, mainly for greater control over timing and marketing (i.e. control of price). Self-publishing has been much more fun and lucrative.
Yes, self publish. Had success with createspace/amazon books. But 100 full color cartoons on 50 pages and cover cost about $11 a book to manufacture, amazon wants $4 cut so at $15, I get 87 cents royalty. Not many people will pay that much for my book. I have 400 cartoons ready for 4 more books. I will go ahead. If you are going to self market having a neighborhood printer do the book is a lot cheaper than publisher manufacture but usually you must order 100 book minimum so it takes some investment. The printer will get copyright and ISBM # for you for extra few bucks.
This rejection letter will make you famous and pave the way for the recognition you deserve for your brilliant literature. It’s their way of saying you’re just too good for them and they don’t have the staff for the influx of all the sales you’d generate. Way to go Carl!! 😉
You’ve made a follower out of me. I know what you mean though. If my cat posts are to long, they won’t read the punch line, and that’s 50 words or less! 😉
85 responses to ““The rejection letter” by Carl D’Agostino”
tskraghu
May 21st, 2018 at 09:30
glad to know it’s a satire.
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tskraghu
May 21st, 2018 at 08:47
omg, so cruel. V nice u have scaled greater heights than these guys envisioned.
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K E Garland
March 26th, 2016 at 10:37
lol – this is great!
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Carl D'Agostino
March 26th, 2016 at 10:55
Oh, but how I have suffered.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Br Andrew Efo
January 8th, 2016 at 08:14
Reblogged this on Br Andrew's Muses and commented:
Any hope for Moi?
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Carl D'Agostino
January 8th, 2016 at 08:34
As long as we keep submitting there is hope. Had a few things published in my church’s bulletins so getting published by God was very encouraging.
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Br Andrew Efo
January 8th, 2016 at 08:37
Yes, I used to be Editor of the Parish Bulletin once and did most of the filling out, of course there was the running after people for rosters and such but it was ink on paper with my name on it.
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annepm2015
May 24th, 2015 at 01:10
Carl, I found the last line of letter insulting. “Paper mill” – really. Surely, one would be expected to start sentences with capital letters and use appropriate ink. I ate the 1,2, 3 list. If it were me, I would probably lose my temper and send them a f*** you letter back. I will never do publishing with this company. I self-publish to save the heartache of rejection letters or someone saying “I don’t like your work.” Don’t let someone break your spirit and your dreams. 🙂 Anne
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annepm2015
May 24th, 2015 at 01:11
“hate” instead of “ate” – Sorry about that!
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Carl D'Agostino
May 24th, 2015 at 08:50
I really like people like you-always supportive. It is despairing to get rejections but it’s OK Anne, this one is fiction and just a joke and satire on rejection letters.
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annepm2015
May 24th, 2015 at 14:50
Carl, good that’s it’s fiction and satire. Makes you wonder though. Anne
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RoSy
May 13th, 2015 at 12:46
This reminds me – I owe you a book review…
Gosh – I’m sooooo behind.
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Carl D'Agostino
May 13th, 2015 at 16:09
That would be great – amazon books
LikeLiked by 1 person
Freedomborn ... Aussie Christian Focus
May 11th, 2015 at 00:22
I wouldn’t take seriously this response to your manuscript Carl, for those in Publishing they seem to have very little knowledge about writing and our concentration span which is at best 20 minutes, this is why we need stimulants such as colour or Pictures and Animation, it does not last long without them, we even need punctuation to help this, no doubt it is why God gave Mankind this knowledge even if some misuse it.
Blessings – Anne
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Carl D'Agostino
May 11th, 2015 at 07:00
You are always so kind to me and considerate, Annie. What you say is true but don’t take the letter seriously. It is fake and meant to be silly satire.
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Freedomborn ... Aussie Christian Focus
May 11th, 2015 at 07:25
Thanks for explaining Carl I should have realized with this being a mostly humongous Blog but I was angry they put you down in such a Saccharine sweet way, sooooooooooo good it was a joke.
Blessings – Anne
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Carl D'Agostino
May 11th, 2015 at 07:27
Tee hee. Always good to know I have Anne and our Lord in my corner.
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Freedomborn ... Aussie Christian Focus
May 17th, 2015 at 05:21
I’m sure there are many more in your Corner Carl, as the Body of Christ we stick together or we are not part of His Body, Love and Loyalty go together.
Blessings – Anne
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aurorajeanalexander
May 4th, 2015 at 17:23
Reblogged this on Writer's Treasure Chest and commented:
This is worth quite a laugh. Just try not to drink or eat while reading it in consideration of your monitor. Have fun!
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Carl D'Agostino
May 4th, 2015 at 21:36
I just visited your blog so I see why you can relate and appreciate the humor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
aurorajeanalexander
May 5th, 2015 at 05:36
I had a lot of fun with this! 🙂
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aurorajeanalexander
May 4th, 2015 at 17:22
That was quite a laugh. Thanks for this!
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Tony McGurk
May 4th, 2015 at 05:39
Ha!!! Hilarious Carl. However if I got a letter like that I wouldn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Someone left a comment on one of my comics once that said: “Your comics are quite unique in that you don’t seem to think like normal people”
I wasn’t sure if it was a compliment or if they were saying that my comic ideas were lousy…
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
May 4th, 2015 at 11:07
Like when they say “think out of the box”. What does that mean ? If you escape from your box, they call the authorities.
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Tony McGurk
May 4th, 2015 at 15:10
Ha!!!
I escaped from my box years ago Carl, they just haven’t caught me.
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knwrootbeer
May 3rd, 2015 at 20:29
I would love to have my manuscript translated to Aztec! D:
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Carl D'Agostino
May 3rd, 2015 at 22:51
Ah, then you will just love the historical novel, AZTEC by Gary Jennings. I was mesmerized through the whole thing.
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Kim Magennis
May 3rd, 2015 at 06:26
Reblogged this on Whimsy and commented:
#TheRejectionLetter by #CarlD’Augostino
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Carl D'Agostino
May 3rd, 2015 at 06:51
Really appreciate the shout out. The reblog counts as being published !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kim Magennis
May 3rd, 2015 at 06:25
Oh yes. Especially the Sumerian and Aztec translations. Thank you for the laugh Carl
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Carl D'Agostino
May 3rd, 2015 at 06:31
Ya have to go international to expand possibilities. At least I had some positive feedback from the editor. Latin would be good too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
field of thorns
May 2nd, 2015 at 23:36
Carl, this is hilarious! Thank you for making me laugh!
Take care,
Pepperanne
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Carl D'Agostino
May 3rd, 2015 at 06:29
Good, mission accomplished.
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Grumpa Joe
May 2nd, 2015 at 17:35
Reblogged this on Grumpa Joe's Place and commented:
As I near the completion of my book, my knees begin to quiver with anticipation of the publisher’s response. Hopefully, it will be as creative as the one below, and not a sterile, cold put down.
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
May 3rd, 2015 at 06:28
Good luck and never get discouraged.
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Grumpa Joe
May 2nd, 2015 at 17:31
Carl: When I first began reading, I thought this can’t be true. Then as I kept going, I realized the title of y9our blog and the light went on. Thanks for a really creative bit of whimsy, I needed that today.
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
May 3rd, 2015 at 06:27
Glad the lights went on. Some long time followers were angry at the editor being so rude to me and indignant and very supportive. I appreciated that and think they eventually caught on. However, getting those rejection form letters ain’t so funny for all of us that have tried so hard over the years. Blogging is a good outlet though if only for the delightful people you meet.
LikeLike
Ngobesing Romanus
May 2nd, 2015 at 15:20
The rejection reminds me of the story of the Nigthingale and the Coco. The Nightingale was a great singer but the Coco won in a singing competition because it was his language that the judge understood. Judgement depends on the judge’s ability to judge. A great piece of work can be dismissed by a judge who does not understand it. That is why some rejected works have ended up as masterpieces. tHnks for the entertainment; and lesson.
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 15:55
Seems like the entire publishing world does not understand. I’ve had a few cartoons published though and in the early 80’s I used to write political editorials for a newspaper for two years. Many artists and writers that follow here are so incredibly talented and have been unsuccessful at publishing. Well they certainly impressed me. This is why I have showcased about 70 people as guests on the blog over the years. I hoped it helped them.
LikeLike
Ngobesing Romanus
May 2nd, 2015 at 15:59
Hope so Carl. You did great for them. Publishing is a real problem everywhere.
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seeker
May 2nd, 2015 at 13:32
Don’t you just love to be rejected and make humour out of it? I wish I am as perfect as you.
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 15:49
I woulda liked to have made money out of it.
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seeker
May 2nd, 2015 at 15:51
It’s not all about money. You just gained a ton of readers and followers 🙂
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 15:58
Yes, about 20 new subscribers so far today. Meeting the people and following each other is a very enriching part of my life. Glad I met you especially.
LikeLike
Ankur Mithal
May 2nd, 2015 at 13:10
I wish you were the publisher rejecting my publishing proposals…
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 15:48
I’ve read many of your posts Ankur. You are talented.
LikeLiked by 1 person
D. Wallace Peach
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:04
Love it. Too funny.
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:09
Gee, I wish the elevendy million editors to whom I’ve submitted things felt this way. It takes time to get famous but Lordy Lordy, I’m 65.
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D. Wallace Peach
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:23
I started writing in my fifties, so I get it. My favorite rejects are the ones that arrive instantaneously after sending the query, like an out-of-office reply. At least they aren’t shy about admitting they didn’t read it.
I went the way of small press for the first 6 books. Then recently I started self-publishing, mainly for greater control over timing and marketing (i.e. control of price). Self-publishing has been much more fun and lucrative.
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:40
Yes, self publish. Had success with createspace/amazon books. But 100 full color cartoons on 50 pages and cover cost about $11 a book to manufacture, amazon wants $4 cut so at $15, I get 87 cents royalty. Not many people will pay that much for my book. I have 400 cartoons ready for 4 more books. I will go ahead. If you are going to self market having a neighborhood printer do the book is a lot cheaper than publisher manufacture but usually you must order 100 book minimum so it takes some investment. The printer will get copyright and ISBM # for you for extra few bucks.
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susielindau
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:30
Hahahaha!
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:07
Tee hee.
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The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:17
This rejection letter will make you famous and pave the way for the recognition you deserve for your brilliant literature. It’s their way of saying you’re just too good for them and they don’t have the staff for the influx of all the sales you’d generate. Way to go Carl!! 😉
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:57
Finally, some validation !
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Espirational
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:08
🙂
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Maxi
May 2nd, 2015 at 09:53
Ya just gotta wonder if they are serious …really.
blessings ~ maxi
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:57
Well I was.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Camp That Site
May 2nd, 2015 at 09:44
Very cute.
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Cats at the Bar.org and Back Home in Bromont.com
May 2nd, 2015 at 09:21
Just brilliant! 😀
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:58
Awww, thanks. I have more written humor but most people want a quick cartoon laugh and no time for a 4 minute read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cats at the Bar.org and Back Home in Bromont.com
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:42
You’ve made a follower out of me. I know what you mean though. If my cat posts are to long, they won’t read the punch line, and that’s 50 words or less! 😉
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alesiablogs
May 2nd, 2015 at 09:17
Have you shown that one before? It looks familiar .. Funny….
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:59
Yes and appreciate that you have been with us here for a long time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ann Koplow
May 2nd, 2015 at 08:43
Thanks for the funny rejection, Carl.
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 09:02
Oh sure. Easy for you to say. I am swimming in tears from this publishing milieu.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ann Koplow
May 2nd, 2015 at 09:03
Now I’m crying!
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Veronica
May 2nd, 2015 at 08:40
Reblogged this on OWL☆WONDER and commented:
Humorous read! 😄
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jrj1701
May 2nd, 2015 at 08:28
If only I got rejected with such humor, I wouldn’t be so depressed. Your rejection letter should be a model for rejection letters.
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 08:29
I sent it in but it got rejected.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Story Reading Ape
May 2nd, 2015 at 07:45
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 09:11
Tankew vely much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Story Reading Ape
May 2nd, 2015 at 09:28
Welcome – NOW will you send me your Guest Author article Carl? 😀 😀 😀
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:09
Getting something ready now.
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gpcox
May 2nd, 2015 at 07:44
They sure have a sense of humor as they tell you NO. I have enough rejection letters to wallpaper my living room and none of them are funny.
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 08:28
I would think WW II and history mags would jump at publishing your quality posts.
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gpcox
May 2nd, 2015 at 14:11
It was fiction I submitted – how do you think I finally went to non-fiction…. not enough imagination, I suppose!
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Let's CUT the Crap!
May 2nd, 2015 at 07:43
This is entertaining. Thanks for my Saturday morning giggle. 😮
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 08:27
Happy to hear that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
rennydiokno2015
May 2nd, 2015 at 07:35
Reblogged this on My Bloggerdiok.
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 07:38
Thanks for sharing my humor. At least I got the letter published on your blog. Hope the people get a laugh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
kgbethlehem
May 2nd, 2015 at 07:32
Is this real?!
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 07:35
Off course not !!! This is a humor blog. Publishers are lined up at my door right now and it’s only 7:34 AM Saturday morning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yoshiko
May 2nd, 2015 at 07:31
It’s painful isn’t it?
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Carl D'Agostino
May 2nd, 2015 at 07:33
I have received a truck full. But this one is just a joke I made up. Tee hee.
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Yoshiko
May 2nd, 2015 at 07:35
Oh I see
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