Reject a Hit

Writer's Digest is doing a contest called Reject a Hit where you write a rejection letter for a best-selling book. I decided to take a stab at it, and wrote not one, not two, but three letters.  Let me know which one you like the best!


Dear Ms. Meyer,

After careful review of your submitted manuscript TWILIGHT, I am sorry but we will have to decline. Although your story has compelling characters, it is severely lacking in plot. Bella and Edward have an unhealthy lustful relationship that we do not feel is appropriate for young readers. Perhaps you should market this as a romance novel for adults.

Best of luck in all your writing endeavors.

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

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Dear Ms. Rowling,

After reviewing your manuscript for your series, we found your writing (as Ron would say), “bloody brilliant”. However, we find the series too dark for children. Death, death eaters, and dementors are too scary for children, as are giant snakes and spiders.

Best wishes.

Arthur A. Levine Books

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The Rejection Letter

By Harper and Row

Dear Mr. Silverstein,

Once upon a time there was an author. Who wrote about a very selfish boy. And a stupid tree who gave the boy anything he wanted.

The book the author wrote had no redeeming qualities. No real message to be gleaned. No real plot.

And (for some ridiculous reason) the tree was happy.