Confidence. Writers need it, but how do they get it? They write.
And write.
And write some more.
And just when they know they rock! they get the rejection that sends them into a tailspin of doubt, doubt and more doubt.
Here are three tips for keeping your writing confidence high in the face of rejection:
Set it aside. Once you realize it's a rejection letter, reclaim control. Make a note on your submissions record that you got a response and go do something else. No one says you have to deal with it right now.
Look for the positive. If it's anything more than a form letter- that's a plus. No, really it is. Maybe there's some nugget from the editor or agent that will help you make the manuscript stronger for the next round.
Get back in the saddle. Or the rocking chair, or wherever you write best. Because you'll never reach your goal to rock the publishing world if you stop trying.
Regan
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Loved your post, Regan. As to rejection, it was a rejection letter that set me on my writing path.
ReplyDeleteAfter sending a "not ready for prime-time" MS to a publisher, I got back a simple note: "Too much telling - Not enough showing."
My first reaction was, "Huh?" My second was a massive rewrite.
http://www.cynthiasattic.blogspot.com
Yay! A perfect example of success! My first MS rejection was really a call to resubmit after the changes, but I didn't know enough to realize it.
ReplyDeleteAh, well. Everything in its own time.
Smiles,
Regan