Rejection Breeds Success

May 7th, 2008

Yesterday I got a rejection for a magazine. It was one of those rejections that actually give feedback. I consider these a challenge. It is my goal to take the feedback and make the next query one that is accepted and purchased.

There are many people who do not believe in good rejections or failures. But the only people who ever fail are those that are attempting to reach for a goal or a dream. The difference between a good rejection and a bad rejection lies in my attitude of the letter.

I could be hurt that the magazine did not purchase all of my blood, sweat and tears. Defending what I wrote would be the natural response of many writers. It would be easy to turn up my nose and refuse to query that magazine again (but eventually a writer who does that will run out of places to query).

Instead of being hurt, I am grateful that the magazine didn’t accept my article. The editor was right (shock, dismay) that there could be more to the story. With some tweaking I can help others with the story and not just show off my own situation. Instead of defending the piece as it is written I need to embrace the vision that the editor offers for what it could become.

The more I am willing to improve then the farther I can go. I refuse to see the rejection as a negative. It is a red flag challenging me to send something that is perfect for that magazine and that no editor could ever refuse.

Entry Filed under: Attitudes, writing