Rejection is a natural part of every writer’s journey. Whether it’s a declined manuscript, a rejected pitch, or a lukewarm review, handling rejection constructively is key to growing and thriving as a writer. Learning to embrace setbacks as opportunities for improvement will make you more resilient and better prepared for future success.
This guide offers strategies to help you navigate and overcome rejection in your writing career.
1. Understand That Rejection Is Universal
Every writer experiences rejection, even the most successful ones.
Examples of Famous Rejections:
- Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishers before finding success.
- The Great Gatsby was considered “unimportant” by early reviewers.
Tip: Reframe rejection as a rite of passage—proof that you’re putting your work out there.
Mantra: “Rejection is part of the journey, not the end of it.”
2. Separate Yourself from Your Work
Rejection is about the work, not you as a person or writer.
How to Maintain Perspective:
- Remind yourself that rejection doesn’t define your worth or talent.
- View feedback as a critique of the piece, not a personal attack.
- Remember that publishers and editors often reject work based on market fit, not quality.
Tip: Keep working on other projects to avoid dwelling on one rejection.
3. Allow Yourself to Feel Disappointed
It’s okay to feel upset about rejection—acknowledge your emotions before moving forward.
How to Process Disappointment:
- Take a moment to reflect on your feelings without judgment.
- Talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or fellow writer for support.
- Write about your experience in a journal to process your emotions.
Tip: Acknowledging your feelings helps you move past them more effectively.
4. Look for Constructive Feedback
If feedback is provided, use it as an opportunity to improve.
How to Evaluate Feedback:
- Identify actionable suggestions, such as improving pacing or clarity.
- Compare feedback from multiple sources to spot patterns.
- Disregard vague or overly harsh comments that don’t offer value.
Example: “The pacing felt slow in the middle chapters” can guide your revisions, while “This isn’t good” is unhelpful.
5. Reflect on the Rejection
Taking time to analyze the rejection can help you grow as a writer.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Was the work ready for submission, or could it have been revised further?
- Was this the right audience, publication, or agent for the piece?
- What can I learn from this experience to improve my next submission?
Tip: Rejection is a chance to recalibrate and come back stronger.
6. Keep a List of Wins
Balancing rejection with positive reinforcement helps maintain confidence.
How to Track Your Successes:
- Create a folder or document of positive feedback, acceptances, or accomplishments.
- Revisit this list when you feel discouraged.
- Celebrate even small wins, like completing a challenging draft or receiving kind words from a reader.
Mantra: “For every rejection, there is a win waiting ahead.”
7. Stay Persistent
Consistency and resilience are key to overcoming rejection.
How to Stay Motivated:
- Submit your work to multiple outlets simultaneously (if allowed).
- Set a goal for the number of submissions you’ll make each month.
- Remember that every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”
Tip: View rejection as a numbers game—the more you submit, the greater your chances of acceptance.
8. Try Again with Fresh Eyes
Revisiting your work after rejection can lead to valuable improvements.
How to Revise Constructively:
- Take a break from the piece to gain perspective.
- Review feedback and identify areas for improvement.
- Rewrite or restructure sections that feel weak or unclear.
Example: Turning a rejected short story into a successful novel or essay.
9. Seek Support from Fellow Writers
Connecting with others who understand the challenges of writing can provide encouragement.
Ways to Find Support:
- Join a writing group, either locally or online.
- Share your rejection experiences with peers to gain perspective.
- Learn from others’ stories of overcoming setbacks.
Tip: A supportive community reminds you that rejection is a shared experience, not a solitary one.
10. Keep Writing
The best way to handle rejection is to keep creating and improving.
How to Stay Focused on Writing:
- Start a new project to shift your energy and mindset.
- Experiment with different genres, styles, or themes to explore new ideas.
- Treat each rejection as a stepping stone to your next opportunity.
Mantra: “The only way to fail is to stop trying.”
Rejection is an inevitable part of a writer’s life, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. By embracing feedback, learning from setbacks, and staying persistent, you can transform rejection into a powerful tool for growth.
Remember, every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” Keep writing, keep improving, and trust in your voice—you are on the path to success.
I’m Mariana Tavares, creator of a blog dedicated to helping beginner writers with practical and valuable tips to develop their skills and achieve success in their careers.