Pro Tip: dissecting rejection

I’ve just finished sending notes to people whose work I declined. I do not like it, Sam. I am on the receiving end of rejections so often, and I know how those things can take the air right out of you. Being a sender of rejection gives me some insight into the process, but it doesn’t protect me from a dagger-through-the-heart reaction to rejection.

Have you wondered what goes on behind the scenes? Wondered what “not a good fit” means? Wondered what the heck editors want? Then please a...