Rejection as a Tool for Success

How to handle rejection is an issue writers frequently grapple with. Sometimes editors reply with advice that sheds light on why a writer's work is rejected. Most of the time, rejections come in standard form with no personal response attached. Whether you receive a personal response or a standard one, it is an opportunity to learn and improve. You can look at rejection as free tutoring offered by seasoned professionals. If you get specific advice regarding what you need to work on, it bears some serious consideration. You don't have to aceept the advice, but it is at least worth giving thought to. If you get a standard rejection with no advice, consider it as your invitation to take a hard, critical look at your work and challenge yourself with figuring out what parts of your work are ineffective. The editor has left it up to you, so take on the challenge. What is not helpful is taking the rejection with a defeatist or defiant attitude. Editors are in the business of finding good, publishable writing. Their purpose is not to discourage, but to be honest. Take that honesty and work with it to make yourself the best writer you can be. Use rejection as a tool, not an obstacle, and you will soon find those acceptance notices rolling in.