Since my recent post about writing, I've been getting my ass in gear on doing the whole freelance thing. Now, keep in mind, I've never done anything before - never written one query letter, never submitted anything to a magazine, etc.  Minus small local stuff and contests entries, I'm a total newb in the writing world. Not even an attempt at anything otherwise.  With all the recent bloggers talking about going full-time freelance, it's put a fire under my butt to get a move-on.

So yesterday, I started typing for reals. I'd done my research and written my killer cover letter, etc. And, after a few of hours, I ended up writing two very different articles for two magazines that couldn't be more opposite. I was actually proud of both of them.

It just so happened that both magazines accepted submissions and completed work via email, so after patting myself on the back and doing a little Chase-horn-tooting, off they went at about 1:30am.  I went to bed all snuggly and smiling, knowing I'd just submitted my first magazine articles - something I'd been fighting myself to do for, literally, years. 

I woke up this morning and checked my email, finding a "thank you for your submission to [Magazine]! You will hear from us in 4-12 weeks."  Yay!  Something to look forward to!  I did a little dance and continued.  Another email from the other magazine - woot!  I opened it to find my very first rejection letter. 

Assuming the offices at [Other Magazine] opened at 9am, the editor checked in to work, got herself a cup of coffee, chatted about her drunken weekend, went through her emails, read my submission, and wrote a rejection letter....all in 51 minutes!  Seriously - is that a world record or something?? 

I'm thrilled with the letter, though, rejection or not.  She said she really liked the article and that it was "very well-written", but she had recently accepted another article too similar.  D'OH!  Oh well, that, to me, said "you freaking rock, chica, send me more of yo shit!"

I don't even care at this point - I'm just thrilled I'm submitting stuff and that I got a good rejection (the way I understand it, that doesn't happen too often).  I even printed it off and hung it in my workspace.

Really, though, fifty-one minutes after clocking in?  IMPRESSIVE, Ms. Editor Lady!