Here's how you can overcome a writing rejection and keep advancing in your career.

Facing a rejection in your writing career can be a tough blow, but it's an almost inevitable part of the creative process. The key is not to let it derail your progress or dampen your passion for writing. Instead, view it as an opportunity to grow and refine your craft. Remember, even the most celebrated authors have faced their fair share of rejections. The difference between those who succeed and those who don't often comes down to resilience and the willingness to learn from the experience.

1 Accept Reality

When you receive a rejection, it's essential to acknowledge your emotions but not let them consume you. It's natural to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even angry. However, it's crucial to process these feelings in a healthy way. Take a step back, give yourself time to reflect, and then approach the situation with a clear mind. Accepting the reality of rejection is the first step towards overcoming it and moving forward in your career.

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2 Learn and Adapt

After the initial sting has subsided, look at the rejection as a learning opportunity. Carefully read any feedback provided and consider how you can use it to improve your work. If no feedback is given, review your writing yourself or ask a trusted peer for their honest opinion. Use this moment to hone your skills, adjust your approach, or even explore new writing styles or genres. Adaptability is a valuable trait in the ever-evolving field of writing.

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Kelly Giles

U.S. Immigration Law Clerk, Reg. Canadian Immigration Consultant, Writer/Storyteller &Human Rts/Peace Activist-Freelance
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In my experience, I was rejected by every agent at an annual writers conference for five straight years. Each year I was rejected, however, I learned something new and deepened my writing. Finally in the 6th year, one agent "got me", and my confidence grew. The next year, I felt I was finally ready to land an agent, but a week before the conference, that agent who got me told me he was retiring. I then got rejected by every agent once again. But an overseas friend, who loved my poetry, offered to publish me overseas, and my confidence grew once more. I decided to self-publish, and within a year succeeded in doing so! I'm going back to that conference in a week, & will be on an author panel, & be able to show those agents my writing shines!

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3 Stay Persistent

Persistence is key in the writing industry. Don't let a single rejection—or even several—stop you from pursuing your goals. Continue submitting your work, and don't shy away from reaching out to new publications or agents. Every submission is a chance to succeed, and with each one, you're gaining valuable experience. Keep writing, keep improving, and most importantly, keep believing in your ability to succeed.

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Kelly Giles

U.S. Immigration Law Clerk, Reg. Canadian Immigration Consultant, Writer/Storyteller &Human Rts/Peace Activist-Freelance
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In my experience, I was rejected by every agent at a writers conference for years. However, I kept deepening and resubmitting my work, and I eventually decided to self-publish. Next week I'll be returning to that conference a published author, will be on an author panel, and will be able to show those agents why they made a mistake by rejecting me, as I'm already an "Amazon top seller" with ten five star reviews, and my book just launched a week ago!

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4 Build Resilience

Building resilience is crucial for long-term success in writing. Rejection can be disheartening, but it's important to develop a thick skin and not take it personally. Understand that rejection is often not a reflection of your talents but rather a mismatch between your work and the publisher's needs at that moment. Use rejection as a catalyst to strengthen your resolve and commitment to your craft.

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Brooke Black

Crafting Publishable Manuscripts | Editing Your Words | Amplifying Author Voices
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Every "no" can be a stepping stone to a stronger "yes" down the road. Instead of letting rejection halt your progress, use it as an opportunity to refine your craft, learn, and grow. Revisit your work, seek constructive feedback, and keep honing your skills. Remember, some of the most successful authors faced countless rejections before achieving their breakthrough. Stay persistent, believe in your voice, and keep writing.

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5 Network Effectively

Networking can open doors and provide support when facing rejection. Connect with other writers, join writing groups, or attend literary events. These connections can offer encouragement, advice, and even lead to new opportunities. Sharing experiences with peers can also remind you that rejection is a common hurdle for all writers and that perseverance can lead to success.

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6 Refine Your Craft

Lastly, never stop refining your craft. Writing is an art that requires continuous learning and practice. Take writing courses, read extensively, and experiment with different writing techniques. As you grow as a writer, you'll develop a unique voice that resonates with readers and stands out to publishers. Your dedication to mastering the art of writing will ultimately help you overcome rejections and advance in your career.

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Javeria Usmani

Pharmacist Helping Health & Wellness Brands Connect with Their Audience 🚀 | Digital Marketer | Innovative Healthcare & Pharma Content & Copywriter
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Don't take it personally! Focus on the work, not the 'no', and keep sharing your unique voice and perspective with the world.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can overcome a writing rejection and keep advancing in your career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Accept Reality

2 Learn and Adapt

3 Stay Persistent

4 Build Resilience

5 Network Effectively

6 Refine Your Craft

7 Here’s what else to consider

Writing

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Here's how you can overcome a writing rejection and keep advancing in your career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Accept Reality

2 Learn and Adapt

3 Stay Persistent

4 Build Resilience

5 Network Effectively

6 Refine Your Craft

7 Here’s what else to consider

Writing

Rate this article

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