Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me, Part 2: Good Rejections

Back when I was in college, I sent a submission to the Texas Observer, then as now the leading progressive voice in Texas. In response, I received a personal rejection letter from either Kaye Northcott or Molly Ivins — probably Kaye, since she was the editor-in-chief, but I can’t remember for sure — that said the essay wasn’t quite right for them but encouraged me to keep writing.

All I saw was the rejection. I don’t think I ever tried the Observer again. A personal letter from the editor (or...