Publishing Rejection: Overcoming Setbacks, Pursuing Dreams

If you tried to show me a writer who has never faced rejection - I'm sorry, but I'm going to show you someone who may not be telling the truth. 

Sure we all want to believe that there is the possibility that we can go through life, living our dreams, writing our books, and not once face rejection in some way. 

Unfortunately, when it comes to publishing, rejection is just a part of the journey like the wristband you get when you attend a concert. 

Sure, it's cool to have one, but everyone who attends also has one.

While everyone looking to enter the world of publishing has faced rejection it's those who persist past it that become successful. 

How can you overcome rejection and keep fighting for your dream?

__________↓ __________↓__________ ↓__________

1. Understand It's Not Personal

Rejection can often feel like someone is taking your work, heart, and soul and trodding on it until it's buried beneath the dirt. 

Sure it may seem like the scary publisher or agent is out to get you, but in reality - 

They're just normal people, who are doing their job. 

Rejection doesn't mean that your novel was the worst thing the publisher has ever laid eyes on. It more simply means one of two things. 

First - It might mean that your novel might need a bit more work before a publisher is ready ready for it. 

Second - It might mean your story might not be a good fit for them. Sure they might accept horror novels, but yours might be too gory for them. 

Your self-worth is not tied up in whether or not a publisher accepts your work, there's always a bigger picture. 

2. Learn from Feedback

If you're lucky your rejection will come with a side of feedback. 

You're already one hundred steps ahead of those who submitted before you and never even got a response. 

Constructive feedback can help you find the flaws within your work so that you can improve and refine your manuscript where it needs a little bit of something. 

Again this feedback may come across as harsh, but it's not made with any ill intentions. 

Extract the useful bits and apply them to how you think will serve your story best. 

3. Keep Submitting

The one thing separating a writer from a published author is determination. 

Never send out one query letter when there are hundreds if not thousands of different agents out there where your book might be just the thing they've been waiting for. 

Every submission you make is a chance to get closer to your dream. Keep a list of those publishers or agents you submitted to and keep trying. 

If you give up - well it will never happen. 

---

Rejection hurts, but it's not the end of your journey. 

Sometimes it's only the beginning. 

Getting published by traditional means takes time and for those who don't want to wait, there is always the option of self-publishing which is not any less valid than traditional publishing. 

Every author there has ever been has walked the same path as you, almost all of them made it out the other side by not giving up. 

Keep submitting. Keep trying.

Don't give up. 

B. -

____________________________________________________

*If you've liked what you read you can show your support by subscribing, pledging your support, or leaving me a tip that directly supports and aids me as a writer.

By joining Vocal+ you can earn more per read on every story you publish on Vocal.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This story was originally posted on Medium.

Help power my writing with a virtual coffee! Starting at just $1! Your support keeps my creativity brewing! ☕

Thank you for your support and happy writing!

Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Threads | Youtube | Facebook | Twitch