Are you an aspiring author who has submitted your work to publishers only to be told "thanks, but no thanks?" Have you ever received some flat (no pun intended) standardized letter that could have been addressed to just about anyone; you know the type where "Sincerely Management" has given you a lousy two sentences, after you've poured your soul page after page into a book that no one seems to want. Why doesn't Joe or Jane Publisher simply write, "pass." Maybe some publishers do, who knows? It's also quite possible that you never get a response at all.

A writer's journey is never easy. Now this may come off as sales-pitchy, but it's the truth: At Lantern Books, we understand the process writers endure in hopes of getting published. We value the relationships that we've built with our authors and those who wish to be published. In fact, Lantern is dedicated to helping writers by offering insights into the publishing industry. For more information, visit Book Publishing and Writing.

This morning I received a letter from one of the authors who submitted her manuscript to Lantern and thought I would share it with you. And I just want to add one more thing: It takes a lot of hard work, confidence and courage for aspiring authors to reach out to publishers. Even if you've been rejected by publishers, be proud that you took the steps to honor your gift of writing. Like my mom always says, "Where there's a will, there's a way."

We recently submitted a manuscript to Lantern Books, in hopes that you would be interested in publishing it. I am in receipt of the returned manuscript, with your very cordial note explaining how the material was not within the scope of your current needs and interests.

I'm writing to thank you for taking the time to suggest that we consider self-publishing.

The thought of self-publishing has crossed my mind, but I would have no idea where to start. Thanks so much for taking the extra time to direct us to another venue. That was certainly above and beyond the call of duty.

Just wanted you to know how much we appreciate it that you took the time to offer a very helpful suggestion, and added that to the very nicely worded letter of rejection. Little kindnesses like that mean so much. If we could all be just a little kinder to each other, our world would be so much better. Thanks for doing more than was required. It made my day!