If you are a writer, at some point you’re going to face rejection. Whether it’s a rejection letter about your first book you want to publish, or an article in a top publication, rejection can be hard and soul crushing. However, this doesn’t mean you need to quit writing.
All writers face rejection and there are some great ways to persevere and go on to be published. While criticism can be a bitter pill to swallow, learning to take in the criticism and see the value in good feedback is the way forward. Here are six ways to cope with writer’s rejection:
Radically accept that you are not everyone’s cup of tea.
Not everyone will like you as a person. If this is true, then it stands to reason not everyone will understand or like your writing style. If you want to make it as a writer, then you need to make peace with this concept. Trying to please everyone will only result in losing yourself and your mind. Stick to what you do well and focus your writing skills on developing your own unique sense of self as an author and you will eventually find your audience and your publisher.
Remember rejection isn’t personal.
When your writing gets rejected, sometimes it can feel like you are being rejected as a person. This is not the case. A publisher rejecting your book is not a reflection on you as a person, and it is really important to bear this in mind when you are dealing with writer’s rejection
Use constructive criticism to your advantage.
You get your work back and your reader’s have given you negative feedback. Now what? After taking some time to refocus and calm down, discerning what criticism is useful to you and what is not is the first step. Criticism can be constructive and useful, but potentially destructive, which is unhelpful to any writer. Try to ignore the comments that are directed at you and not the writing.
Constructive criticism can help you craft a better piece of writing. It focuses on actionable steps you can take to help improve your syntax, diction, and story structure. “As a writer, taking to heart constructive feedback is one of the best skills to learn” says James Crawford, a blogger at University Assignments and Best Essay Services.
Read more and write better.
Rejection does not always mean that you are a terrible writer. Another good way to improve your writing skills is to read more. The more variety in your reading choices the better. It will expose you to different styles of writing, different perspectives, and different voices. Diversifying your reading can spark new ideas and help you think more clearly about your own work. Reading has been proven to improve writing skills!
Take a break from writing.
If you have recently had many rejections for the same book, take a break from doing any more editing or starting a new writing project. Sometimes, having a no-writing break can rejuvenate you and add the missing link to your novel that makes all the difference. Taking a break can also help with any writer’s block you may have been experiencing.
Connect with other writers.
Resist the urge to hide away from the world when you keep getting rejected. Instead, join a writer’s community, who will completely understand the frustrations of being rejected. Not only does it give you a safe space to vent your frustration, these forums are great spaces for encouragement and support. More experienced writers can help you deal with your feelings more productively, and you very well might find a more experienced writer who can walk you through the publishing process.
Rejection is something that all writers face throughout their careers. Dealing with it in the appropriate way can help make you a better writer and a better person. Whether you are a new writer or an experienced one, these tips will help you deal with the emotional and practical aspects of writer’s rejection.
Emily Henry is a writer at Research paper writing and Big Aassignments. She writes about all things related to writing and writer’s rejection. Emily is also a tutor at Essay writing service reviews.
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