Hello Allison, thank you for sharing your success story with us.

I agree if your rejection letter explains why they won't consider your book, that that can be even helpful.
In my case, I get piles of standard printed rejections. I'm sure my query wasn't even read once. Since you are a published author, you already have that foot in the door. I can't even get my little pinky in.
I've tried small publishing houses and agents just starting out, but they are bombarded with hundreds of queries per day as well. Since I've never been published, I don't have any thing to show,…sort of feel like I'm chasing my own tail (tale?).
You wrote how you built your way slowly up the career ladder. Is that the only way nowadays? I'm unable to join writer's clubs or meet agents since I live overseas.
Maybe I should look reality in it's face and give it up….But I really don't want to…I actually prefer receiving rejection slips and whining about them.
From a chronic optimist.