Writers - Don't let rejection defeat you

Take direction as intended. (public domain photo)

As an online article writer, rejection is something you will face quite often. Try not to let it get to you. Jiminy Cricket said it best, "Pick yourself up, brush yourself off and start all over again" I've always loved the words of that song. Of course, I'm one of those people that believes in fresh starts. Not only that, I love a fresh start. I even like rejection, to a certain extent. Why? It gives me an opportunity to see areas that need improvement.

Why embrace rejection?

Rejection can be a positive experience if you look at it that way. Why celebrate rejection? As an online article writer you are your own boss. Naturally, you agree with yourself. Think of rejection as a second opinion. Without it, online article writers have no idea they are on the wrong track. With it, they can get back on the right track. It's not you, it's your article.

Take rejection as intended

Maybe your editor is just trying to save you both from looking like a pair of idiots. Maybe your article is not the type of thing they are looking for at this time. Maybe your article is no good at all. Maybe it has some merit but certain parts need work. Wouldn't you rather hear all this from your editor than have those facts publicized?

Be thankful for rejection

Someone has taken time out of their day to read your article and give you an expert opinion, for free. Now, what are you going to do with all that valuable advice? Complain about it, or use it to your advantage? Think of rejection as an opportunity to do better. Be glad your editor was kind enough to give you a learning tool.

Use rejection as a tool

Take a good look at your rejected article. Why do you think it was turned down? Did the editor make mention of areas needing improvement? You can use that information to your advantage. Maybe re-submission is not an option. That's OK. Use this rejection as a tool to write your next article in a style or format more to your editors liking.

Continued rejection

Don't take offense to continued rejection. Use it to take a long hard look at your work. Submit to different venues. If they give you similar reasons for rejecting your articles, take that advice to heart. Make changes as recommended. Your editor is there to help you. Don't let rejection defeat you. Use it positively without complaint.

This article was previously published by this author on a now closed Yahoo property.