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Sunday, March 20, 2016

SUNDAY REVIEW / A LITERARY REJECTION LETTER FOR THE AGES




ZYZZYVA is a literary journal many writers aspire to be published in. Many are chosen by ZYZZYVA editors and many others must endure the pangs of a rejection letter.

The following is a remarkable rejection letter penned by ZYZZYVA founding editor Howard Junker many years before he retired.

Gentle Writer:

Please forgive me for returning your work and for not offering comments or suggestions.  I would like to say something to make up for my ungraciousness, but I don’t think a few quick remarks would really help.  The truth is I  have so little space, I must return almost everything—99%--of what’s sent to me, including a lot that interests me and even some pieces I admire. (Also, I make mistakes; my taste is erratic, my judgment flawed.)

The important thing is this: Do not be discouraged by this or any other momentary setback.  The road is long; the struggle must go on.

Then, too, the ways of the Muse are strange.  When she does visit again, I hope you will give her my best regards.


KEEP THE FAITH.

ONWARD!

Yours,

Howard Junker

Editor


Editor, Howard Junker

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