How to Handle Rejection

Something all writers eventually learn is that not everyone is going to like our writing and that is a tough lesson. The stories we write are so much a part of us that it can be painful to hear bad things about it, or to keep getting rejections for it.

Receiving form rejections are pretty painful. You know what I’m talking about...those rejections that begin with “Dear Author” and then reject you by saying your book isn’t right for them, even though you did your research and you know it’s perfect for them. They don’t offer you any other explanation than that and no advice on what you can do (if there is anything) to make your manuscript better. 

There are thoughtful editors/agents out there though who will offer advice, and if one does, TAKE IT! Take it, take it, take it! They know what they are talking about; it’s their job, so if an editor/agent tells you to fix something, they aren’t being mean, they are being helpful. Fix whatever it is and use that advice for your other stories.

Writing takes guts...guts when you first decide to write and then guts to continue writing after getting rejections. Once you get a rejection, though, shake it off and resend it somewhere else.

After getting so many rejections, you may start to doubt your story, but don’t ever give up on it! There are countless other agents/markets out there. All you need is for one of them to give you an acceptance. Just one.

QUESTION: How do you deal with rejection?

And yes...those are real rejections I've received in the past.