All of us face rejection from time to time. Often, we feel that we are experiencing something unique, but the most successful people are usually rejected more often than those who are less successful. Entrepreneurs who build great companies may have failed at several previous endeavors. Politicians who go on to high office generally lose many … Read more
Writers hate rejection. Here’s a bit of wisdom from author Barbara Kingsolver on what that rejection letter really means: This manuscript of yours that has just come back from another editor is a precious package. Don’t consider it rejected. Consider that you’ve addressed it ‘to the editor who can appreciate my work’ and it has … Read more
Like most people, I’ve experienced plenty of rejection. Here are a few examples: When I was in college, I was engaged – for a short time – to a guy who told me when one of his buddies saw me for the first time, the buddy said, “That’s the ugliest woman … Read more
Maybe you’re an employee or a freelance writer assigned to write a company policy manual. Your employer says, “This is so confusing I don’t understand my own policies!” Or you’re a multi-published author with a new book out. A major reviewer writes, “Don’t waste your money or your time on this disappointing effort.” Or you’re … Read more
I’ve been helping a writer find an agent or publisher for his novel. He’s received several rejections, so I’ve been giving rejection a lot of thought. None of us like rejection, of course, and since I edited the novel for this writer, I feel the rejection as much as he does. But having been at … Read more