Rejection Letters are Opportunities

I’ve been rejected from every type of writing professional possible. Agents, beta-readers, publishers, contests, magazines, blogs, awards, fellowships, graduate programs, friends, mentors, and readers. Do not give up!

Writing is creative and artistic. But as soon as you package something with a cover letter and send it out for someone to review, you are now marketing. That is a very important distinction to make. Always remember when you step back and fourth over this line.

The worst possible rejection you can get is a non-response. You don’t know how or why the rejection happened, it was just a “no”. But if you can get something in writing, then you are gaining. You can use these rejection letters to help shape and sharpen your novel or story vision. And get it in front of the right reader.

Listen

When you get rejected, listen to the advice or reason for the rejection. I know it is frustrating, but it helps to read a response a few times. I have misunderstood comments when I first read them because I was frustrated or angry. Read them over and take stock in what they are saying. Good comments are not a stamp, but something that will give you insight. For example, “This story seems original, but it doesn’t fit our audience.” That is actually a tell that your writing was fine, but it wasn’t a good fit for…