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While these letters didn’t bring the news applicants desired, a thoughtfully written rejection stands out far more than a generic HR template.
1. THE REALITY OF PRINCETON LAW...
Letters of Note
This application had a single issue. Mr. Wax found more success with Harvard and later built a thriving law career.
2. LORNE MICHAELS IS HAPPY TO RECEIVE YOUR NUDE PHOTOS.
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It’s no surprise that Lorne Michaels, the producer of SNL, would turn rejection into humor. Early in the show’s run, he devised a polite method to inform aspiring writers that their unsolicited submissions couldn’t be considered. However, he humorously added, “we at NBC’s Saturday Night do welcome and review nude photographs.”
3. MR. ROGERS HAS A WAY OF MAKING THINGS RIGHT.
Letters of Note
Mr. Rogers was a multifaceted individual. He wore cardigans with unmatched charm and had a unique ability to turn a simple “no” into something uplifting. In 1990, he penned an endearing letter to a six-year-old fan who wished to visit his set. The boy’s father was so touched by the response that he wrote back, sharing how his son “couldn’t stop smiling all afternoon after receiving it.” Mr. Rogers, ever gracious, replied once more!
See Also:10 Rejection Letters Sent to Famous People
4. IT’S HARD TO STAY ANGRY WITH MAD.
Letters of Note
If you aspire to write for MAD Magazine, a good sense of humor is essential—especially if they decide to pass on your work. Editor Al Feldstein elevated rejection to an art form with his cleverly worded letters, which playfully encouraged writers to submit more material … only to have it turned down once again.
5. SUB POP CALLS YOU A LOSER.
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As the record label behind iconic bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Flight of the Conchords, Sub Pop’s offices in Seattle were inundated with demo tapes during the late 1980s and 1990s. With the sheer volume of submissions, personalized responses were out of the question. Instead, the label opted for a unique approach: addressing every rejected artist as a “loser” in their responses.
6. THE MUMMIES HAVE SOME CHOICE WORDS FOR SUB POP.
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The Mummies, a California garage band, were simply adhering to their principles when they declined Sub Pop’s request to feature one of their songs in the label’s “Singles of the Month” series. They made their stance crystal clear in their response.
7. HILLARY CLINTON ISN’T INTERESTED IN JASON SEGEL.
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After playing a pivotal role in bringing The Muppets back to life, Jason Segel had every reason to feel unstoppable. However, he may have aimed a little too high when he approached Hillary Clinton to appear in one of his future projects.
8. THE NEW YORK TIMES HAS NO TOLERANCE FOR A**HOLES.
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In 1996, Will Georgiades failed to secure an assignment from Adam Moss despite multiple pitches. However, his submissions left enough of an impression for Moss—then editorial director of The New York Times—to offer some blunt feedback: “‘A**hole’ will never be acceptable here.”
