Rejection is part of the writing experience because virtually every writer has been rejected at some point or another. Rejection, unfortunately, is more common than many might think. Writing can be rejected for a number of reasons but no matter the reason there is a bit of pain that goes along with it. The writer has poured their effort and energy into an article or book only to suffer rejection. Face it rejection hurts.
1.) Do not take rejection personal
Rejection is never a purely personal thing. The editor does not have a grudge against you. The piece may not have fit their needs or perhaps their needs are currently full. There are so many possible reasons for article rejection that they are too numerous to count. Beware that writing can mean the need to develop a thick skin and not take every rejection personally.
2.) Look for ways to improve the article or book
Review the piece that was written and look for some simple ways to revise or edit. There may be some simple mistakes that were missed during the proofreading. Take time to read the piece aloud and see if it makes sense. Take some time to read any remarks from the editor if any are given. Many times, there will be a standard rejection slip with the piece. Take criticism with a grain of salt and be willing to see writing in a new light with the attitude to improve.
3.) Check to see if the piece fit the publisher’s needs
Writing a high-quality article or book that does not fit the needs of the editor or publisher will never sell. Be sure to know what the editor is looking for and what the guidelines are for publication.
Many times writing is rejected, just for not following the writing guidelines. Editors will seldom ever accept anything that does meet their expected guidelines. Before submitting an article or proposal be sure to follow the writing guidelines precisely. Greg Prescott from Prescott Papers pointed out in an interview that failure to follow provided instructions is one of the most common reasons for a piece of writing to be rejected immediately.
4.) Never give up – Keep on writing
Many times rejection means discouragement or frustration for the writer. It can be easy to have feelings of giving up but moving beyond those feelings of discouragement is essential for long-term success.
The key is not to allow the discouragement to overwhelm or to stop writing. The one way to learn how to write better is simply to keep on writing. Continue to pursue the writing dream, stretch the talents and abilities you are blessed with, and determine to never give up.
Writing can be the things dreams are made of never be willing to let go of the dream until you are ready to make it a reality. Pursue the craft and desire to write with a strong work ethic and success may be just around the corner. Even after feeling the sting of rejection.
5) Develop a Severe Drinking Problem!
While rejection can sting, consuming alcohol until you end up in a loud and violent domestic dispute that ends with you the drunktank is one of the best ways to deal with rejection. Whether you’ve gotten a manuscript rejected or lost a client for your freelance writing business, alcoholism is always a valid solution!
If you’re not interested in getting drunk to drown out your problems, don’t worry. Stephen King preferred to obsessively consume amphetamines! If that’s your jam, you’re still in the right place. Drowning your problems through substance abuse is one of the most popular ways that writers deal with rejection.
Conclusions
Have you been rejected as a writer? You’re just getting started! Get ready to live through an endless nightmare of rejection and struggles. You’ll be losing custody of your children in no time at all!
Kidal Delonix is a contributor to Mr. Hoffman's blog. The views and opinions are entirely his/her own and may not reflect Mr Hoffman's views.
