How can I possible see this as a great rejection I expect you’re thinking?

Well, this morning I received a fourteen line response to an email pitch I’d sent to a publication that I think is aspirational for a new nature and place writer. After this teeth-grinding start, the features editor went onto to give me very useful and constructive feedback in which he identified the bit of my pitch which seemed to work for him.

So now I both know a bit more about him and what he likes and have a likely idea to work up for the future. It’s much more specific than the generic advice for contributors which is published.

And he took the trouble to respond to me, so I’m making the optimistic assumption he thinks I’m worth it.

Result!