Here are our first rejection letters (besides mine) Glory Hallelujah! I’ve been trying to get Leah to send me her “It’s Not Easy Being Green” essay, so hopefully I’ll be able to post that in the future.

Please notice something very important for it is the whole reason behind this project:

Please know that we reject a lot of material that’s perfectly good work but that simply doesn’t fit the idiosyncratic constraints of a radio show, or the idiosyncratic needs of This American Life.

I would add to that, the rejections they make are because stories fail to fit the themes they are currently working on. A submission may be perfectly suited to This American Life, but not fit into any of of episodes they have in play.

Rejection blows, especially when it comes from such a well known institution. Take heart though, these stories are good and deserve to be read.

Enjoy Leah’s, and send me yours! rejectedbytal@gmail.com