Being told ‘no’ is always hard to take.
But quite often, it’s hard to give as well.
Do you break it to them gently?
Do you give them brutal honesty?
Do you take the cowards way out and write to them instead?
To be honest, there’s never a perfect way [though for me, honesty – delivered respectfully, is the best policy] … however I recently came across a rejection letter that somehow managed to be inspirational, encouraging and funny while also being arrogant, rude and cold.
I know that sounds impossible, even Simon Cowell couldn’t pull that off, but have a look at this:
I don’t know about you, but that’s what I call copywriting brilliance … however in terms of inspirational rejection, I still think this one – from Viz magazine – is wonderful.