Thou shall not run from rejections.

I recently embarked on a project (to be disclosed soon ??).

In the first two weeks of execution, I reached out to 33 prospective partners. Well, 34 if I count that one email that didn't deliver.

So far, I have already gotten more than a dozen not the right time, still awaiting responses from 12 of them, and in talks with two of them (tentative). Low conversion but when has that ever harmed anyone?

When I finish this article, I will refine the message and send it to more people. Of course, the number of nos will increase, but so would my chances of getting yeses. That's the game.

Let's face it. As a writer, you want to be published, see your work to be well-received, and make some money in the process. You want the time and effort you put into your writing to count. Unfortunately, the reality is often different. Your first few copies might not boost sales and clients will turn down your well-written, spirited proposals.

Rejection is a natural part of the writing process, and you must learn to handle it with grace.

In this newsletter, we will discuss some ways you can handle rejection as a new writer.

First, some truths.

• You will be turned down many times as a new writer. Sometimes, it will be because your work is trash or your experience is insufficient or your skillset is a mismatch. Other times, it will simply be nothing.
• Some of your work will not get recommendations at the beginning. In fact, a few of them will be left unread.
• It will hurt in ways you might not have imagined.

But that's okay.

You see how in a movie, everything the protagonist goes through is necessary for the character development? Well, rejection is one of the things you might go through to get to where you want.

3 ways to handle rejections as a new writer

While you wait for your big break, here are 3 ways to handle rejection.

1. Recognize that it is part of the job.

If you run under the rain, water will touch you even if you are [flash]. If you are a writer, some people will say no to you. And that's okay.

Every writer faces rejection at some point in their career. It comes with the job. The key is to make sure it doesn't define you or your work. Instead, keep your head up and continue to send those emails.

2. Learn from it.

Sometimes, your rejections are telling you something. Listen.

Some writers take the don't-give-up advice to mean don't change. Don't be that kind of writer. Every rejection is an opportunity to learn and grow as a writer. Take the time to analyze the feedback you receive, if any.

If more than one editor comments on your overuse of jargon, chances are, you are using too much jargon. If publishers always reject you because you don't stick to the theme, learn to stick to the theme

Take note of the feedback and use it to improve your writing.

3. Keep doing the work.

The most important thing you can do is to keep doing. Write. Share. Pitch proposals. Send cold emails. Resend emails. Follow up. Rinse, repeat.

Just got your fifth rejection email this month? Send 10 more today. Haven't heard from the client you sent a proposal? Pitch another one. An editor has asked you to make major changes? Take the feedback and improve your writing.

Don't let rejection discourage you from doing. The more you DO, the more opportunities you create for yourself. Not everybody may say yes to you, but some people will. Soon.?

BONUS: Connect with other writers.

Surround yourself with people who know what you are going through. Find new and experienced writers on LinkedIn and connect with them. Join writing communities (e.g. LinkedIn groups) where you can share your work and get feedback from other writers. It helps not to go through rejection alone.

To conclude this newsletter, rejection is never easy but don't give up. You never know what opportunities may come your way.

Until next Tuesday, stay safe. Keep writing!

Love, Osamu.

Osamu Ekhator is a?Freelance Content Strategist. For the last 8 years, he has worked with individuals, small businesses, and companies in several industries all over the world to create content that improves engagement and sales.

Contact him now for collaboration and consultation!