How to Deal With Story Rejections

May 26

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We’re writers. We may each have our own unique voice and style but, when we send our stories out into the world, we send them swaddled tightly in the same hope of acceptance. It’s only natural. We’ve pored over every plot point, character, sentence, and word. We’ve invested time, energy, and experience. We’ve nurtured the central idea, polishing and perfecting the tale – this precious creation – until it’s ready to be shared. We want it to connect with someone, and to find its place in the world; to find its ideal home.

As much as we want it, that’s usually not how it goes, however. The fact is that, for writers, rejection is far more common than acceptance. It stands to reason, really – there are simply more writers than there are publishing opportunities. Back in 2017, it was estimated that agents were rejecting 96 per cent of author submissions, and we can almost certainly assume that the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, combined with the cost of living crisis, has not improved that statistic.

In fact, let’s be honest - hasn’t it always been this way? We know that some of the most popular works ever published first racked up vast numbers of story rejections before finding an audience. Everything from the now-franchise title, Chicken Soup for the Soul, to Stephen King’s iconic Carrie was initially turned down many times, by multitudes of industry professionals. Of course, this reality check is cold comfort when it’s our own stories being rejected.

So how then do we begin to deal with the rejection we’re sure to face as writers?

The Key to Dealing With Writing Rejection is: Resilience

Resilience is a great word that crops up regularly in guidance for writers. All those author advice columns and channels remind us of its importance in our work – to be able to withstand setbacks and persist in order to achieve our writing goals; to ride the emotional rollercoaster of exposing our work to judgment and continue with it after critical rejection; to suffer the slings and arrows of the submission process, and keep pressing forward, regardless.

That’s all very stirring, but how do we build that resilience? How do we deal with story rejections, in practical terms? Well, you can do it with a very clear, seven-step process.

Feel the sting
Whichever way you slice it, rejection is an unpleasant feeling. Nobody enjoys receiving that news. But, given that it is statistically bound to happen, we may as well take that unpleasant feeling and make productive use of it, right? That’s why allowing yourself to feel the sting is the first step in dealing with story rejection. You have to feel it, and sit with it, in order to use it as motivation.
Engage in self-care
The sting is useful, but we also need to look after ourselves, and acknowledge that it is painful. There’s no shame in taking a few days to re-group. In fact, it’s entirely necessary. Do your favourite non-writing things and enjoy that space. It’s the perfect salve and, soon enough, the sting will start to fade. Here’s a great article with advice on self-care for writers.
Apply perspective
It sounds like a cliché to say that story rejections are not personal – especially when writing is deeply personal expression, and the sharing of it is an experience of intense vulnerability. However, it is entirely true. It’s not personal. Competition judges are focused on the way your work stacks up against the criteria and parameters of the contest, while magazines and journals are focused on whether your work fits with their next issue. Literary agents and publishers are concerned with whether your work is commercially viable and whether they have the contacts, experience and ability to sell your work. The very best, healthiest perspective to apply when you receive a story rejection, therefore, is that this is an industry filled with businesses – and business isn’t personal.
Re-focus on your love of the craft
Why do you write? And why did you write this story, in particular? When a rejection lands in your inbox, it’s easy to get caught up in the disappointment and descend into a spiral of questioning whether you’re really cut out for it. So, take some time to remember what drives you. Remember what it is that you love about the process, and about this tale that you’re telling. Then, remind yourself of your goals. Isn’t it ultimately to help your story find its audience? In that case, this is just a minor detour on that journey.
Analyse feedback
Some story rejections take the form of no response at all, while others arrive as standard issue form letters with no personalisation or customisation involved. In such instances, you can accept that these places were not the right home for your story. If you’re only receiving flat rejections, it can be a good idea to seek feedback elsewhere. Globe Soup offer a feedback exchange program at the end of all their competitions, or you can find writers to critique your work by joining their Love Writing! group on Facebook. When feedback is included in a story rejection, you need to take time to analyse it properly. This does not mean accepting every opinion given as the final word on your tale. Just because the person providing the feedback is a contest judge, agent, or publisher doesn’t mean they know what is best for your story. Some of the feedback will be useful, and some may be irrelevant. It depends on your intention with the story, and what you believe its purpose to be. Analyse feedback from a place of objectivity, but also from a position firmly planted in your plans for the piece.
Refine your submissions process
Having analysed any feedback provided, its time to refine your submissions process. Reassess the details of the publication, agent, or publisher you sent your story to in the new context of this rejection. Was it really a good match? Spend time proactively vetting and shortlisting alternative opportunities and prepare to send it out again.
Celebrate
It may seem strange to celebrate a rejection. You may not even feel like it at first. But it’s important to remember that a rejection is tangible, hard-earned proof that you are in the game. If you’re in the game, you are much closer to scoring a goal than you were when you were sitting on the sidelines. After all, you’ve got to be in it to win it. You’re a writer, and that rejection is a badge of honour highlighting a powerful combination of creativity and courage. Wear it with pride.

Looking for some inspiration? Check out our list of the 20 Greatest Short Story Writers of all Time!

Every submission counts

Every story you send out into the world, swaddled tightly in the hope of acceptance, is an important step in your writer’s journey. Each one is a learning experience and offers the chance to further hone your skills – whether that is editing, plotting, character development, critical analysis, or market research. It’s also an opportunity to build resilience because, the more you apply those seven steps, the easier and more immediate that resilient response becomes.

All of these skills are vital to your writing career, proving that even those unsuccessful submissions have immense value. When you look at it like that, you can understand why William Golding persisted in sending out his manuscript for Lord of the Flies, even after twenty rejections. And now it’s a legendary literary work, studied by generations of students.

Keep going, writer. We need your stories.

Sarah Myles is a freelance writer. She has worked as a blogger, contributing author, copywriter, and award-winning columnist for a variety of outlets. Originally from London, Sarah now lives in North Yorkshire with her husband, two children, and a moody ghost. You can find more of Sarah's work at www.sarahmyles.net and www.smyleswritingservices.com.