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Writing is one of those careers where rejection comes with the territory. You write. You submit. You are rejected. This does not happen every time, but it can seem that way when a majority of your work only appeals to you. After so many no's, you can become disillusioned with your ability and depressed about your possibilities.

You can't control other people or their opinion of your work. Since there is not much you can do when someone says no, you must find a way to deal with that rejection. It's not as difficult as you might imagine.

The first thing you need to do is accept the rejection. Yes. Accept the rejection. Someone has said no. The reason could be that your writing does not fit their style, or it is not what they are looking for at this time. They may just say they are not interested. Ouch! It is painful to hear, but if you remember that their rejection is not personal, it will be easier to take.

That is the key. It is not personal. They are not saying no to you as a person, just what you wrote. They are not saying no to everything you have ever written, just that one piece of work you submitted. It's not personal, so don't take it that way. Accept that one rejection and move on.

Next, you should think of how many others also sent in writing and how many of them were rejected. It's painful when someone says no to you, but if you imagine all the others who also heard no, you won't feel so bad. Perhaps, one article was needed and dozens of writers wanted the job. Only one will hear yes while dozens of others will hear no. Try to understand that you will not get every job that is available.

After hearing no, you might consider making a list of all the reasons you write. This will keep you focused on your craft, as well as help you remember why you love writing.

A wonderful way to deal with rejection is to think of acceptance. Think of all the times you got the job, all the times you heard yes. How wonderful did it feel when you got the job? There were other writers who wanted it, but you got the yes and they got the no. Review your victories when you have been rejected. This will help you appreciate your abilities and keep hope alive for that next job. If you have yet to have your writing accepted, hang in there. It is only a matter of time.

Instead of wallowing in that rejection, put it aside and move forward. Get out your laptop, or pen and paper, and start writing. There are articles and books to be written. There are people and businesses who need someone to put their thoughts into words, and you could be the one to do just that. When your writing is rejected, write some more.

It is ugly and unfortunate, but rejection exists and it will come to you. You can't control that, but you can control how you react and deal with it. Don't let rejection hold you back. Someday, someone will like what you have to say if you just keep doing what you love- write.

Learn more about this author, Savannah White.
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