How to Handle Rejection as a Freelance Writer

Freelance writing isn't for the thin-skinned; when you write, you'll soon realize that rejection, while unpleasant, is just another part of the job. Even your favorite best-selling author wallpapered her office with rejection slips when she first started out. To persevere and make a living as a freelance writer, you have to learn how to handle those rejection slips that keep finding their way into your mailbox.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Acknowledge your disappointment. No one likes to be told "No" or turned down, and you're no different. When you get a rejection slip for a piece that you were sure you'd sell, take a little time to feel bad about it.

2. Maintain perspective. You've allowed yourself a small mourning period; now remember that this is business--it's not personal. When an agent, publisher or publication rejects your query or manuscript, that's exactly what he's doing. It's the work that wasn't quite the right fit, not you.

3. Discuss your feelings with your significant other, a trusted friend or another freelance writer. Talking over your negative feelings resulting from rejection will help you see the situation in a new way, give you support and help you move on to the next step.

4. Find another market. Your first attempt may have been met with a rejection slip, but that in no way means that the next market won't accept your query or manuscript. Get back to your desk and start researching other means of placing your work.

5. Accept rejection for what it is. Like the grease under a mechanic's fingernails or the hair on a stylist's shirt, rejection slips in your mailbox are part of your job. If you realize that fact early and don't let it stop you from being creative, you're one step closer to becoming a successful freelance writer.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't become belligerent when you get a rejection slip; that will hinder your efforts at moving forward.

Resources

• Information, resources and writing community