After 5 years of encouraging rejections, Mike accepted my story, "Grace." For a couple of reasons, I'm glad that story appeared in Atlantic. I thought of Mike yesterday, editing his name out of an essay I'm working on. The name is not important; what's important is the message he left me when he called about accepting the story: "Persistence pays off." He was a real asset to the writing community.
Jane, thank you for your lovely essay. Mike edited nonfiction articles as well, and he guided my first two Atlantic articles to publication. In fact, he proposed one of the article ideas to me. I was astonished and wasted no time in accepting his proposal.
When I was young, oh those many years ago, I had an interview at the Atlantic for an editorial assistant position. I remember being led down a narrow hallway covered with framed letters by renowned authors and I was in awe. I have no memory of what was discussed and I’m not sure if it was Mr. Curtis who did the interview or not. It was in a fairly large office overlooking the Public Garden. Needless to say, I didn’t get the job but it was a cool experience.
Back when rejection letters were written on paper (or written at all!), I once papered a closet door with them.
You give me such hope, Dear Jane...and you're awfully good at it. <3
Yes, he did. I received several. Made me feel I was THISCLOSE to an acceptance. So encouraging.
After 5 years of encouraging rejections, Mike accepted my story, "Grace." For a couple of reasons, I'm glad that story appeared in Atlantic. I thought of Mike yesterday, editing his name out of an essay I'm working on. The name is not important; what's important is the message he left me when he called about accepting the story: "Persistence pays off." He was a real asset to the writing community.
Jane, thank you for your lovely essay. Mike edited nonfiction articles as well, and he guided my first two Atlantic articles to publication. In fact, he proposed one of the article ideas to me. I was astonished and wasted no time in accepting his proposal.
When I was young, oh those many years ago, I had an interview at the Atlantic for an editorial assistant position. I remember being led down a narrow hallway covered with framed letters by renowned authors and I was in awe. I have no memory of what was discussed and I’m not sure if it was Mr. Curtis who did the interview or not. It was in a fairly large office overlooking the Public Garden. Needless to say, I didn’t get the job but it was a cool experience.
Jane…so sorry to hear about your loss of Mr. Curtis. These letters will now hold special and notable memories for you.