How to Deal with Rejection as a Freelancer

If you've taken the plunge into the cold, large pool of freelancing, brace yourself—freelance rejection is part of the game. But here’s a little secret: sometimes, getting a 'no' is just as good as a 'yes'.

Why? A direct rejection means someone reviewed your freelance article pitch.

No response at all? Experiencing freelance ghosting? That's the real puzzler, making you wonder what went wrong and often causing you to have feelings of freelance imposter syndrome, in my experience.

As a veteran of thousands of pitches and countless emails to potential clients, I've faced more rejections than approvals. But each 'no' brought me closer to a 'yes.'

(I also try to remind myself of famous authors who were rejected but kept on pitching.)

Types of Freelance Rejection You Might Experience

Here are some common freelance rejections and how to put a positive spin on them to regain confidence.

They Don't Respond to Your Pitch

Ever send a pitch or cold email and hear nothing back? It's common, especially for beginner freelancers. Most likely, your email was buried under others or forgotten. This even happens to seasoned freelancers.

That's why following up is a crucial part of a freelance marketing plan. It keeps your pitch on their radar and shows persistence.

"We’ve Already Covered This"

If an editor responds to say your idea has already been featured, take it as a win. It means your pitch was compelling enough to open and "on brand." Still, it can make you look like an amateur who didn't research the website or brand well enough.

Thank the editor or manager for reading your pitch and come back with another one quickly while you have their attention. Keep knocking on that door!

I cover this in my "7 Freelance Article PItches That Were Rejected and Why" resource. 👉

They're Facing Budget Constraints

A common complaint you might read on social media in today’s tight media budgets is rejection due to financial constraints. Believe me, as a former assigning editor at a magazine, the editors would love to have a great freelance budget to disperse. It helps them immensely.

Celebrate the fact the editor responded at all. A well-crafted pitch that gets a response is a step in the right direction.

Check back later—budgets can change, and so can opportunities. I find that using one of the top apps for productivity for freelancers (especially Notion )that sends a reminder to follow up in a few weeks or months helps me stay on top of these marketing tasks.

"Your Rates Are Too High"

When a discussion about rates leads to a rejection, it’s not the end. It shows you’re in serious consideration and the client has corresponded with you a few times already.

You can choose to practice your freelance negotiation skills or agree to reconnect when budgets are better. You never know when you might need those lower rates or they come up in price to take advantage of your skills.

In 2023, an editor returned with a better offer after initially having to reject my freelance rates. She realized she needed better quality content and was willing to pay for that. Quality often trumps cost, and patience can pay off.

"It's Not the Right Fit"

This response can occur when your pitch doesn't make sense for the potential client. Perhaps you pitched an essay but they don't publish those. Or, you have an opinion piece that isn't in line with their views.

Research is key to avoiding this response from a marketing manager or editor. Before you send the article pitch, dive deep into the client’s content and social media. Understanding their needs and current topics can tailor your pitch perfectly. Show them you know their brand, and your pitches will hit closer to home.

(Psst! This best-selling eBook shows examples of 24 pitches that sold to national magazines and award-winning brands.)

The Brand Doesn’t Work with Freelancers

You'll get this freelance rejection response from time to time as well.

Some initial sleuthing can save you time and energy. Check if the articles on the blog or website are written by staff writers or freelancers. This can indicate whether a brand is open to freelance contributors.

That being said, I've received these responses and followed up later to see if their policies have changed and they have! You never know until you try.

Handling Freelance Rejection with Grace

Don’t take rejection personally—easier said than done, I know. As someone who's been in this business for over two decades, I recognize that some days it might get to you more than others.

Remember, securing great freelance gigs is a numbers game, which I find to be heavily reliant on understanding your ideal client profile (ICP), carving out a name in your freelance niche, and persisting with follow-ups.

Always be gracious in your communications. Budgets change, editors move to new opportunities, and your next pitch might just be the perfect fit.

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Hi friend!

I’m Diana.

I’m a New York-based freelance journalist, copywriter, editor, content marketing writer, and freelance coach.

I love covering topics that help people and their loved ones live healthier, happier, fuller lives, whether it’s through health, wellness, personal finance, or pet topics.

I also love to help others learn how to get started freelancing, improve productivity, and run their small businesses. I cover these topics and more on my blog and in my weekly newsletter as well as the newly-launched site Best Freelance Tips.

You can learn more about me, my publishing background, and my nearly 20-year freelancing journey at DianaKelly.com.

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Reach out if you need help with your business's content or copywriting or, are curious about the freelance life.