Rejection is an inevitable part of every writer’s journey, But how to Deal With Rejection. Every successful author, screenwriter, and poet has faced countless rejections before achieving their big break. Understanding how to cope with and learn from rejection can make the difference between giving up and eventually succeeding. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore strategies for dealing with rejection, share inspiring stories, and provide actionable tips to help you stay motivated and improve your craft.
Introduction
Rejection is something that every writer has to face. But you don’t have to let it get you down. Rejection can serve as a powerful motivator and an opportunity for growth. By adopting the right mindset and strategies, you can turn rejection into a stepping stone towards success. In this blog post, we’ll cover practical tips for dealing with rejection, inspiring stories of famous authors, and strategies to keep your motivation high.
Have More Than One Egg in the Basket
Diversify Your Projects
The best way to avoid a crushing disappointment is to have more than one project on the go. If you’ve got only a single project in the pipeline, all your hopes and enthusiasm might follow it down the drain if it’s rejected. Most serious writers have at least one project on the back-burner. This approach not only reduces the emotional impact of rejection but also keeps your creative juices flowing.
Benefits of Multiple Projects
- Reduced Pressure: With multiple projects, the success or failure of one doesn’t dictate your entire writing career.
- Continuous Improvement: Juggling different projects helps you develop various skills and keep improving.
- Increased Opportunities: More projects mean more chances for success, as different works may appeal to different editors or audiences.
Put It Down to Experience
Learning from Rejection
Your writing, like any skill, will develop with practice. As long as you’re constantly looking for ways to improve your writing, the more you do it, the better you’ll get. If you look at it this way, any rejections you encounter are necessary stepping-stones towards your first piece of accepted work.
Constructive Feedback
Often, rejections come with feedback. Use this feedback constructively:
- Identify Patterns: Look for common themes in feedback to understand areas needing improvement.
- Seek Advice: Consult with mentors or writing groups to gain different perspectives on the feedback.
- Revise and Resubmit: Don’t be afraid to revise your work based on feedback and submit it again.
Embracing Growth
Every rejection is an opportunity to grow. Celebrate the small victories and the progress you make with each piece of feedback.
Save It Until Your Genius is Recognized
The Role of Persistence
Just because your work is rejected doesn’t necessarily mean it’s no good. It might have more to do with the fact that you’re an unknown. Few people are prepared to take a risk on new talent, but once you achieve a measure of success, you might find that some of your old rejected material suddenly becomes attractive.
Jimmy McGovern’s Story
An example of this kind of transformation can be seen in the experiences of the screenwriter Jimmy McGovern. McGovern had been writing for years with limited success until he had a hit with the crime drama Cracker. Following the success of Cracker, two of McGovern’s old rejected scripts (Hearts and Minds and Priest) were picked up, dusted off, and made.
Keeping Your Work Ready
- Archive Your Work: Keep a well-organized archive of all your writings.
- Revisit Old Projects: Regularly revisit and revise your old projects.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on industry trends to see when your previously rejected work might become relevant.
Don’t Take ‘No’ for an Answer
Persistence Pays Off
Or rather, don’t take one person’s no as an answer. If an agent, publisher, or producer rejects your work, send it to another. There are many out there, and they all have different tastes. Take the children’s writer Dr. Seuss (real name Theodor Geisel). Theodor’s first book was rejected by 23 publishers. A chance encounter with an old friend led Theodor to a meeting with publisher number 24, who gave him a contract 20 minutes after seeing his work.
Famous Rejections
Other famous works that suffered numerous rejections include:
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling: Twelve rejections.
- Dune by Frank Herbert: Thirteen rejections.
- MAS*H by Richard Hooker: Twenty-one rejections.
- Dubliners by James Joyce: Twenty-two rejections.
- Carrie by Stephen King: Thirty rejections.
- Watership Down by Richard Adams: Forty-six rejections!
Strategies for Persistence
- Research Publishers: Tailor your submissions to publishers who are a good fit for your work.
- Keep Submitting: Develop a thick skin and keep sending out your work.
- Network: Build relationships with other writers and industry professionals.
It’s Too Hard. Should I Give Up?
Balancing Persistence and Realism
A tough one. Many people are happy to write for their own pleasure and don’t mind so much if their work is never accepted. Others get disheartened by the constant stream of rejections and pack it in.
Evaluating Your Goals
- Enjoyment: Do you enjoy writing for its own sake? If so, keep at it regardless of external validation.
- Improvement: Are you seeing progress in your writing? Improvement is a good sign to keep going.
- Feedback: Are you receiving constructive feedback that suggests potential? If so, consider incorporating it to enhance your work.
Famous Quotes on Persistence
An old saying goes:
“If at first you don’t succeed; try, try, try again.”
W.C. Fields said:
“If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Then give up. There’s no point in making a fool of yourself over it.”
There’s something to be said for both points of view. If you don’t enjoy writing and everyone says you’re terrible, what’s the point? But if you do enjoy it and you think you’re improving, stick at it and see what happens.
Case Studies: Famous Authors Who Faced Rejection
J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling’s journey to success with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a classic example of persistence. Rejected by twelve publishers, her manuscript finally found a home at Bloomsbury. The rest is history, as the Harry Potter series went on to become a global phenomenon.
Stephen King
Stephen King’s Carrie was rejected thirty times before it was published. King’s wife rescued the manuscript from the trash and encouraged him to keep trying. Today, King is one of the most prolific and successful authors in the world.
Frank Herbert
Frank Herbert’s Dune, one of the best-selling science fiction novels of all time, was rejected by twenty-three publishers. Its eventual success demonstrates the importance of perseverance and finding the right publisher for your work.
Richard Adams
Watership Down by Richard Adams faced forty-six rejections before finding a publisher. The novel went on to win several literary awards and has been adapted into various media forms.
Practical Tips for Dealing with Rejection
Develop a Routine
Having a structured writing routine can help you stay productive and focused, even in the face of rejection. Set aside specific times for writing, revising, and submitting your work.
Join a Writing Community
Being part of a writing community can provide support, feedback, and motivation. Join local or online writing groups where you can share your experiences and learn from others.
Seek Professional Advice
Consider seeking advice from literary agents, editors, or mentors who can provide professional feedback on your work. They can offer valuable insights and help you improve your writing.
Practice Self-Care
Rejection can be emotionally draining. Practice self-care by taking breaks, engaging in activities you enjoy, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.
Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable goals for your writing career. Celebrate small victories along the way and use them as motivation to keep going.
Keep Learning
Continuously seek to improve your craft by attending workshops, reading books on writing, and studying successful authors in your genre.
Maintaining Motivation and Improving Your Craft
Setting Writing Goals
Establishing clear, achievable goals can help you stay focused and motivated. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
Embracing Feedback
View feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. Constructive feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your writing.
Expanding Your Horizons
Experiment with different genres and writing styles to keep your creativity alive. Trying new things can also open up new opportunities for publication.
Building a Support System
Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and fellow writers who can offer encouragement and understanding during tough times.
Celebrating Milestones
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress can boost your confidence and motivation.
Continual Improvement
Always look for ways to improve your writing. Stay updated on industry trends, read widely, and be open to new ideas and techniques.
Conclusion
Dealing with rejection is an integral part of a writer’s journey. By adopting the right strategies and mindset, you can turn rejection into an opportunity for growth and improvement. Remember that every successful writer has faced rejection, and persistence is key to achieving your writing goals. Keep writing, keep submitting, and most importantly, keep believing in your talent and potential. Your breakthrough could be just around the corner.
In summary, rejection doesn’t have to be the end of your writing journey. With multiple projects, constructive feedback, persistence, and a strong support system, you can navigate the ups and downs of the writing life and emerge stronger and more resilient. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and continue to pursue your passion for writing.