So I got this rejection letter and am happy because a) the editor obviously read the piece (at least the beginning), and b) my writing group will buy me a baked good (we offer baked goods as consolation for rejection slips.)  I am not sure how to feel about it, though.  Is my story totally cliche, or is this one editor's opinion?

The note (with incorrect spelling of my name) is as follows:

Kirstin,

Thanks for your submission but we're unable to take "Cancer on Cat's Paws" for publication. Your opening intrigued me. It felt like this story was really leading somewhere. Unfortunately, it turned out to be yet another horrible black tentacle feeding on the small town populace. Such a shame. I really liked the idea of this woman having a metaphorical relationship with her stomach cancer. That intrigued me. Once it became literal, I lost interest.

Best of luck placing this elsewhere.

Kindest Regards,



So I don't know if I should rethink the story, doing what this editor suggests and resubmit, or stick to my guns and try some other places with the story that exists.  I really like the story, but I'm not above changing it in hopes of publication.  I have it out to some other places, so we'll see what happens...

In honor of Dracula, which I'm reading for school, and Jana's play.