In my experience with writer’s rejection, the feeling of not being good enough is overwhelming. It can make you want to give up writing, as no one seems to want to hear what you have to say. But it’s important to keep going. Here’s what you need to know about bouncing back when a magazine, publisher, or potential employer says no.
By Charlie Swarbrooke
Rejection is the hardest part of being a writer. When you’ve bared your soul through the written word, and have worked long and hard to push past the fear and create something vulnerable, a no is a slap in the face.
Even just one rejection can lead to overediting, self-censoring, and a lack of belief in your writing skills. Hearing a no multiple times in a row can impact your mental health and lower your self-worth.
Why is rejection so devastating?
Because it feels like a reality check. You thought you were good at writing. You thought you could tell a story. But someone else has taken one look at your work and thrown it on the discard pile.
Sometimes, you don’t even hear anything else about where your work has gone. Some submission calls don’t contact you and leave you wondering where you went wrong. You’re pushed out into the cold and forced to start all over again, without any sense of closure over the opportunity.
As a result, you feel like you weren’t even worth a no. That’s devastating, pure and simple.
Remember, writing is personal.
When someone writes, they tend to have done so for years. As such, it’s been something they’ve honed a love for over time. They’ve been through a lot with their writing, and their tone and style has changed just as much as they have. Writing feels like an old friend.
No matter what you’re working on, it’s a reflection of you.
Discovering the ability to monetise such a skill is a privilege. And anyone who has the ability to put a pen to paper has a right to submit their work when they find the chance. It only makes sense that thousands of writers around the world are looking to contribute to paid opportunities!
However, finding the confidence to write publicly can take a while. A rejection can then send you back to square one.
You think, ‘Is my writing even worth anything? Is it good enough to be displayed under a magazine name or to send to a client as a representation of company quality?’ When someone rejects you outright, you can end up doubting everything you’ve ever done.
But you shouldn’t lose hope!
If you’ve received a no, don’t give up. In my time as a writer, rejections have piled up, but the acceptances have come through strong as well. This dichotomy can be confusing, I fully admit that! But the more you put yourself out there, the more you’ll find success in a writing career.
Even when it hurts. Even when you’re sure they’re going to say no. Do it anyway!
That’s why I’ve listed below the tips I’ve found helpful over the years. Because a rejection, no matter how many, is not the end.
- It’s OK to be disappointed!
Many ‘experts’ will ask you to move on from a rejection like it never mattered, like you’re above the feeling and shouldn’t have the space for it. After all, rejections occur a lot when you’re a writer. Why waste time mourning what could have been when you need to get back to the keyboard?
I’m not going to ask you to do the same thing. You’re allowed to be disappointed and ‘in your feelings’ about a rejection. You’re allowed to take some time to mourn, as it were. You’ve lost out on an opportunity, and forcing yourself to suck it up and immediately move on simply isn’t humane.
- A no from one doesn’t mean a no from all
It can be hard to believe, but one no isn’t a blanket rejection. There are potentially millions of publications, websites, and writing employers out there. A no from one is barely even a drop in the ocean! This perspective can do wonders for your mental health. So remember, for every uncooperative publication out there, you’ve got a chance to find another 10 that’ll say yes!
- Get a yes by submitting in multiple places
If you’re proud of something, submit it many times over. Find at least five places to submit—this way you maximise your chances of success. You also save yourself a lot of time and energy!
If you’re worried this will be a problem, all you need to do is let the editors know if the piece gets accepted elsewhere. Send off one email and, voilà, problem solved.
- Understand who you want to work with
Writing is 50 percent research. The same goes for trying to get published. You need to know who it is you want to submit to. Read past editions and follow their social media profiles.
Not only does this give you an overview of what they like to publish, but it connects you to other writers hoping for the same thing. You can connect with people who understand your struggle and even work together for better submission chances. Making a friend is never a bad thing!. You can also get inspired by Rebecca Hamilton author, who shares how she built a successful writing career.
- It’s important to remember that publishing is a busy business
Every publisher you submit to, whether it’s a small magazine or a big publishing house responsible for famous books, has a lot to get through. Thousands of enquiry letters, pitches, and fully-written submissions file into their inbox every day.
They can’t accept them all—there’s only so much room in a magazine or so much money in the publishing pot! Sometimes the rejection isn’t about you at all. It’s just a matter of convenience for the editing team at large.
So, seeing as more than half of rejections fall under the convenience category, a good portion of the ‘nos’ you’ve received aren’t a reflection of your writing ability at all! Of course, that might not help when you’re deep in the mourning phase, but it’s comforting when you’ve had a chance to process things.
What you should keep in mind for the future:
Every writer faces rejection and often multiple times in a row. It’s a normal thing within the writing world! But even so, it requires thick skin and determination to get past.
You’re low after a rejection, I know; I’ve been exactly where you are. But there is an upside. Every knock back is a lesson learnt. It steels you for the future and makes the next one hurt far, far less.
That might be little consolation now, but it’s the truth. Your writing is perfectly good enough, and there’s a place for it out there. So keep submitting, and keep reaching for what you really want. You never know what could happen next!
About the Author:
Charlie Swarbrooke is a freelance writer with seven years of experience. They’ve written in multiple niches during this time and ultimately found a true passion for writing about mental health and wellness. Their work can be found on Medium at @charlieswarby13 and many other articles can be seen on their website charlieswarbrooke.com.
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December 2023 | Life Lovers Magazine.
Life Lovers Magazine® 