Writers get used to rejection, even if it hurts at the time. But a Chinese economics journal found a way of not making it hurt so much:
We have read your manuscript with boundless delight. If we were to publish your paper, it would be impossible for us to publish any work of lower standard. And as it is unthinkable that in the next thousand years we shall see its equal, we are, to our regret, etc.
Rejection slip from a Chinese economics journal, quoted in Financial Times. In Ronald Fishman “Creative Wisdom for Writers” (Allen & Unwin (2000)), p. 129.
Henry Miller had his own way of dealing with the problem:
No matter what you do to please the editors it will never please them. Better please yourself and trust in God!
Henry Miller, letter to Lawrence Durrell, Tuesday 22nd December, 1936. Quoted in “The Durrell-Miller Letters, 1935 – 80” (Ian S. McNiven, ed). faber & faber (1988), p. 33.
Not that his way always worked …
I get tired, very tired of pushing editors and publishers around. Make a hundred suggestions – but no action.
Henry Miller, letter to Lawrence Durrell, Feb. 18, 1949. Quoted in “The Durrell-Miller Letters, 1935 – 80” (Ian S. McNiven, ed). faber & faber (1988), p. 228.
Probably it’s best simply to be resigned to it …
Original writers and artists, men like Cézanne or Lawrence, are lucky if they are not damned out of hand, if they are only traduced or misunderstood.
Joyce Cary “Art and Reality”. Anchor Books, 1958, p. 87.
That’s all for now. Please don’t reject me …