Navigating Rejection: Staying Resilient as a Writer

Dealing with rejection is one of the most challenging aspects of being a writer. As someone who has experienced this firsthand, I can relate to the deep emotions that come with it—frustration, anger, and sometimes even depression. However, I have found that pushing through these emotions and learning from them is crucial for growth and success in our craft.

Understanding Rejection

For many writers, rejection can seem like a never-ending cascade, much like standing under a waterfall. The road to publication, especially in print editions of magazines or books, can be extremely tough. It’s important to recognize that not all publishers are created equal, and some may struggle to identify true excellence. Even so, striving for higher standards and protecting your integrity is key.

Striving for Brilliance

The motto that guides me is: 'Give them something they can’t reject.' While this isn’t a guarantee, it has helped me gain recognition and respect from publishers. Even with my best efforts, I still receive rejection letters, but more often than not, they are personalized and highly apologetic. Some publishers have even called me to apologize for the short-sightedness of their CEO!

This experience has taught me that maintaining your integrity and working tirelessly to polish your manuscript until it shines is essential. Your work needs to be so outstanding that it could be seen from space. Believing in yourself, even when the road is tough, is crucial. Ultimately, it’s the readers who will decide the fate of your work, not the publishers who may be more focused on quick profits.

Alternative Writing Platforms

For many writers, the path to publication is challenging, but there are alternative platforms to explore. Writing on platforms like Quora can be a different experience. In my case, I have written extensively on Quora and have not faced many rejections. If you are referring to writing on Quora specifically, I have encountered questions regarding my BNR tone, but these are easily corrected.

However, it’s important to consider the type of writing you are doing. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, research, or any other form, the road to publication can vary greatly. If you are seeing numerous rejections, it could be a sign that you need to reassess your work and understand specific requirements of the platform or audience better.

Conclusion

In summary, dealing with rejection is a reality for any writer. The key is to stay resilient, strive for excellence, and never give up. Maintain your integrity, work hard on your craft, and continue to perfect your work. Ultimately, it’s the readers who will decide your fate, and your dedication to your craft is what will set you apart.