Rejection is an inevitable part of every writer's journey. It can feel like a personal blow, a sign that your work isn't good enough. However, learning how to handle rejection effectively can turn a painful experience into a powerful opportunity for growth. Here’s how you can navigate the turbulent waters of manuscript rejection and come out stronger on the other side.
1. Understand That Rejection is Common
The first thing to remember is that rejection happens to everyone. Even the most successful authors have faced countless rejections before their work was accepted. J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter manuscript was rejected by 12 publishers before it found a home. Stephen King’s Carrie was rejected 30 times. These stories aren’t anomalies—they’re the norm. Rejection is a part of the process, not a reflection of your abilities.
2. Allow Yourself to Feel Disappointed
Rejection hurts, and it's okay to acknowledge that. However, don’t let these feelings linger or build into resentment. Remember, always BELIEVE in YOURSELF and your WORK. If you don't, then why would anyone else? Always be determined that no matter what, you will succeed. Keep writing, editing, fine-tuning. Build up a social media presence. Make a splash with other projects. But ALWAYS keep FAITH.
3. Reframe Rejection as a Learning Experience
Instead of viewing rejection as a failure, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Rejection can offer valuable insights into your writing. If you receive feedback, even if it’s brief, consider it carefully. Are there common themes in the rejections you’ve received? Are there areas where you can improve? Use this information to refine your manuscript or to approach future projects with a new perspective.
4. Don’t Take It Personally
Rejection isn’t necessarily a reflection of your talent or the quality of your work. Publishing is a highly subjective industry, and decisions are influenced by numerous factors beyond your control. The market trends, the preferences of the editor, and even the timing can all play a role. Remember that a rejection doesn’t mean your work is bad; it simply wasn’t the right fit for that particular publisher or agent at that moment.
But you also shouldn't continue sending the same manuscript without interrogating its fundamentals. I constantly edit The Falling Sun. I doubt I will ever be satisfied. I wish I could have the creative freedom of Ken Follett or Diana Gabaldon and write a twelve-hundred page novel, but unfortunately I don't (not yet, anyway!) So, edit, edit, edit - until the day some lucky soul says, "I want that."
5. Keep Writing and Submitting
I've already said this, but I'll reiterate it because of its importance. The best way to overcome rejection is to keep moving forward. Don’t let one (or several) rejections stop you from writing. Continue working on your craft, start new projects, and keep submitting your work. Persistence is key in the writing world. Each rejection brings you one step closer to acceptance.
6. Celebrate the Small Wins
Every step forward in your writing career is worth celebrating, even if it’s not the big acceptance letter you were hoping for. Did you finish a manuscript? Did you receive constructive feedback? Did you take a risk and submit your work? These are all achievements worth acknowledging. Celebrating small wins can help you maintain motivation and remind you of the progress you’re making.
7. Remember Why You Write
Finally, in the face of rejection, it’s important to reconnect with why you started writing in the first place. Was it to entertain, to educate, to express yourself? Grasp ahold of your motivation - you'll need it when those rejection emails come.
The Guises of Rejection
Most manuscript rejections will come in the polite but deadly guise, "Sorry, not for us." Which is about as helpful as asking someone for directions and they reply, "Somewhere over there."
"Not for us." Does it mean that you are a victim to circumstance? It really isn't what they're interested in, but others might? Is it polite for "This manuscript sucks!"? All boiling down to the important question: do I need to improve?
The answer for this is always YES.
Even when you're published you should never rest. ALWAYS strive to improve. Reach the top and then keep going!
Conclusion
Dealing with manuscript rejection is never easy, but it’s a challenge that every writer must face. By reframing rejection as a learning experience and continuing to write and submit, you can turn a negative experience into a stepping stone toward success. Remember, every "no" is one step closer to a "yes." Keep writing, keep submitting, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself. Your story is worth telling, and with persistence, it will find its way into the world.
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