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You labored for seemingly countless hours, honing your creative skills and pouring your heart into a manuscript. Into the mailbox it went, along with a wing and a prayer. Certainly the editor would appreciate your word smithing and publish your piece without a moment of hesitation.

Then the rejection letter (or worse, the rejection postcard) arrives. As you swallow the bitter taste of failure, you begin to question whether you'll ever see your writing project come to full fruition via publication.

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Rejection stings-even after a decade of writing. Fortunately, I have learned how to bear the momentary sting without letting it become a deeper wound. Although my pride has taken more hits than I care to reveal, I have sallied forth. Below are a few things to keep in mind when facing rejection:

1. It's nothing personal. Your particular writing style just isn't a good fit for publisher or the editor's needs.

2. There are more opportunities out there. One of the great things about writing, is that the market is virtually limitless. Unlike other professions where your skill set dictates what you do, writing affords a person to grow in unexpected ways.

3. Although it's not always much consolation, remember that yours wasn't the only piece rejected. This is especially true in the poetry market. Some editors receive thousands of poetry submissions in a given week. A precious few make it each time.

4. Rejection of your manuscript is not rejection of you as a writer. A writer is simple, someone who writes. Regardless of how many pieces you've published or whether you've landed a book deal, your essence as a writer is part of the fiber of your being.

5. No one gets it right every time. Admittedly, some of my pieces that have been submitted to editors have not been my best work. When I review what I've written and spend time with my critique circle pals, I find new ways to improve my writing.

6. Think of each rejection as one step closer to publication. Eventually you will hit the nail on the head. The secret to being published is that there is no secret. The correct formula involves the right author (you), editor, material, and timing. Sooner or later those factors will combine in your favor!

Learn more about this author, Lauren Beyenhof.
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