Introduction

Rejection is a common part of every writer’s journey, whether for a poem, article, or book. It’s normal to feel discouraged, but it doesn’t define your success. This guide shares practical strategies to handle rejection and stay motivated.

1. Understand That Rejection Is Part of the Writing Journey

First, recognize that rejection happens to every writer, even the most celebrated authors. Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time was rejected 26 times, Gone With the Wind faced 38 rejections, and Chicken Soup for the Soul endured 144 before success.

Rejection is not a reflection of your worth or talent. Often, it’s about the editor’s preferences, publication needs, or timing, not your abilities. Understanding this distinction helps you separate your emotions from the feedback, making it easier to move forward.

2. Talk to a Trusted Friend or Mentor

When faced with rejection, sharing your feelings with someone supportive can be incredibly helpful. This could be

“Another writer (Writers Victoria offers mentorship and peer support)” Help for authors in Australia provides mentorship and peer support options for writers.
A family member who understands your goals
“A friend who encourages your creativity (Australian Writers’ Centre communities can help connect you with supportive peers)”

The key is to choose someone who listens without judgment and offers encouragement, not criticism. Simply voicing your disappointment can lighten the emotional load and give you perspective.

3. Take a Break Before Rewriting

Immediate rewriting after rejection often leads to hasty or overly emotional edits. Instead

“Step away from the piece for a while. Consider using Scrivener writing software to reorganize drafts when you return.” Time management tips for authors offers strategies to structure your writing and rest periods effectively.
Work on a fun writing project or brainstorm new ideas.
Return with fresh eyes and a clear mind.

This distance allows you to approach your work rationally and constructively, rather than reacting purely out of frustration or disappointment.

4. Keep a Copy of Your Original Work

When you eventually revise, don’t delete your original. Parts of your first draft may be better than your second attempt, and having it preserved gives you options to compare changes.

“Maintain a versioning system or backup files using Notion for writers so you can track your progress without losing what already works.”

5. Don’t Trash Your Work

Rejection does not equal failure. Often, it’s a sign that your work needs refinement or that it wasn’t the right fit for a particular publication.

Get a second opinion from a fellow writer or editor.
Ask for constructive feedback.
Revise and polish your work carefully before resubmitting.

Sometimes, a piece rejected by one editor may be accepted elsewhere after thoughtful revisions.

6. View Rejection as an Opportunity to Learn

Rejection provides valuable insight into your writing.

Identify patterns in editor feedback.
Notice recurring weaknesses in your drafts.
Adjust your style or approach based on constructive criticism.

“Consider each rejection a step toward improvement.

Journaling for Australian writers a way to reflect, track feedback, and grow from each rejection.

7. Focus on Resilience and Persistence

Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Acceptance doesn’t always come immediately. Some strategies to maintain resilience include

Setting realistic writing goals
Celebrating small achievements, like finishing a chapter
Reminding yourself of past successes

Persistence is key. Many bestselling authors faced multiple rejections before achieving recognition. Your determination can make the difference between giving up and publishing your work.

8. Separate Yourself from Your Work

Rejection can feel personal, but your writing is not your identity. Distinguish between:

Self-worth: You are talented and capable
Work output: This particular piece may need refinement or simply wasn’t the right fit

This mindset reduces emotional damage and allows you to approach future submissions with confidence.

9. Maintain a Submission Strategy

Plan your submissions to minimize discouragement:

Submit to multiple publishers or platforms
Track your submissions and responses Understanding royalties and contracts provides guidance on professional submission planning, publishing agreements, and managing multiple submissions.
Prioritize outlets that align with your style and genre

Having a clear plan prevents you from feeling stalled and keeps your writing journey organized.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Even in rejection, acknowledge the progress you’re making:

Completing a draft
Receiving constructive feedback
Learning a new technique

These achievements build confidence, reinforcing that rejection is just part of the process rather than a permanent roadblock.

11. Keep Writing and Improving

The most important takeaway: never stop writing. Each piece, accepted or rejected, improves your craft. Use every setback as a learning tool, and remember that eventual acceptance will replace rejection if you continue honing your skills.

By consistently writing, editing, and submitting, you increase your chances of success. Your persistence may eventually lead to seeing your work published and celebrated.

FAQs

Q1. Why do writers face rejection so often?

A. Rejection is common because publishing is competitive, and editors look for specific themes, styles, and market ready content. It’s rarely personal often it’s about fit, timing, or editorial needs.

Q2. How can I stay motivated after a writing rejection?

A. You can stay motivated by taking short breaks, seeking feedback, setting fresh writing goals, and reminding yourself that rejection is part of the creative process.

Q3. What should I do with a rejected manuscript or submission?

A. Revisit your work with fresh eyes, revise based on feedback (if given), and consider sending it to new markets. Many successful books were rejected multiple times.

Q4. How many times should I revise my writing after rejection?

A. There’s no fixed number, but reviewing structure, clarity, pacing, and tone before resubmitting improves your chances. Use feedback constructively rather than rewriting everything from scratch.

Q5. Does rejection mean I’m not a good writer?

A. No rejection is not a measure of talent. Even bestselling authors receive multiple rejections. What matters most is persistence, growth, and continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Rejection is a natural part of every writer’s journey that, while challenging, offers growth, insight, and motivation to improve. By seeking support, taking breaks, revising carefully, and staying resilient, writers can turn setbacks into stepping stones, knowing that persistence ultimately leads to acceptance.