by Joyce Good Henderson

Created on: December 21, 2009

Don’t be frustrated when your writing submission gets rejected.  If a quarterback gave up each time a pass is incomplete or he gets sacked, the game would never be won.  Rejection to a writer is just part of the game.

 You can handle frustration if you keep in mind that rejection is a business decision.  Publishing is never a one-size-fits-all business.  Rejection simply means the product you are selling wasn’t the right fit for the publisher.  It may have been the wrong piece for them, or they had just accepted another work that was similar.  Publishers work months or even years in advance and rarely can an author know what is already in their publishing pipeline. 

 The work may not be written according to their guidelines, or represent the “voice” they have established in their publications.  Reading and studying their works can give you a better idea what they want.  Always request a sample copy of a magazine before you submit to them, or study their booklist to determine if your work is a good match for them.

 Don’t take “no” for an answer.  Rejection doesn’t have to mean the door is firmly closed.  You can write back respectfully and ask if there are any changes you can make that would encourage them to take a second look.  Don’t whine, or be defensive.  If you have another piece that might be closer to what they want, be sure to ask about sending a proposal for it.

 Often, you won’t know why you have received a rejection, and that can be frustrating.  But view it as an opportunity to imrove your work.  You’ve survived the writing, self-editing, critiquing and submission process.  Set aside the rejection letter and take a critical, objective look at your work.  Is it truly your best effort?  Did you follow the submission guidelines for formatting, proposal and SASE?  Did you select the correct agent or editor?

 Consider joining a writers’ group or critique group where you can learn from other authors, and have experts look at your work.  Go to a conference or a workshop where you can be inspired and encouraged, make new contacts and learn about the business side of writing. 

 If your proposal still sounds fresh, undated, and publishable, submit a new copy again.  You can always fix the written page.  It’s much harder to fix a blank page or screen.  Always have something out making the rounds of agents, editors and publishing houses.  Rejections don’t sting quite so much if you have two or three or more works out at the same time. 

 Keep in mind that rejection is a business decision, not necessarily a referendum on you or your writing ability.  It’s part of the game and only you can decide whether you will play to win.

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