by Jennifer Moll

Created on: November 23, 2009

As a writer, one of the most difficult concepts to deal with positive attitude is rejection. Let's face it, no one welcomes rejection for any reason, rejection in a writer's life is realistic, don't let them get you down!

Rejections may come from editors, agents, or contest administrators and can bring down even the most thick-shinned writer. After getting the hundredth thanks, but no thanks, who wouldn't get down, right?

Submissions are rejected for many reasons and a rejection doesn't necessarily mean that your work is not up to snuff! Your submission may be rejected because a similar submission was recently accepted, the piece is either too long or too short for the publication in which you submitted, not right for the publication you submitted, or simply just because the publisher is not accepting new submissions at this time.

While form rejections may not be very helpful to you, if any notes or suggestions are given, consider revising with the suggestions. If you are not willing to bend and give into the suggestions, simply continue to submit to other publishers.

If you do decide to change your work and include the suggestions, resubmit the piece with the changes to the same publisher.

It is also important that you do your research before you submit your work! Learn your markets and do research your targets before submitting and work! If your market is parenting, you would not send your work to an IT publication.

Another important element in becoming a published writer is to submit, submit, and submit! If one publication sends out a rejection, send to another publication and another and another. What is not right for one publication can end up being a perfect for another! The key is not to give up and remember, unless you are a celebrity, publishers will not come looking for you!

Keep a spreadsheet of your submissions so at a glance you can tell where you sent your work or where a particular piece is at. This is also a place where I note any suggestions from publishers.

Remember that you can not fail if you consistently work at your writing. Read, write, and submit consistently to help increase your success rate!

While writers may receive many rejections before they get that one sale, keep in mind that each rejection letter brings you that much closer to the prize! Look at rejection letters as stepping stones to your first sale!

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