Even the most famous writers face rejection at some point in their careers: it's just part of the process of getting published. These insights will help you keep rejection in perspective so that you can continue moving forward with your work.
1. Remember: Editors Are Just Normal People.
It helps to keep in mind that the people who run literary magazines and small presses aren't that different from you. They're people who love writing enough to commit time and money to contemporary literature.
This, of course, is part of the reason for the rejection slips. Journals and magazines reflect specific tastes and perspectives. Rejections often have more to do with an editor's taste than your talent.
Another thing to keep in mind, before you get angry about slow or impersonal replies, is that the people on the other end are probably not doing this full time. A literary journal doesn't put food on the table; like most writers, editors of literary journals often have other paying jobs.
2. Start Small.
Rejection is inevitable, but by starting with smaller, local publications, you will build confidence even as your work improves. And not only do unpublished writers have a better shot with local journals, but in publishing with them, you may have opportunities to get to know your area's
literary community.
3. Focus on the Rewards of the Process.
It might sound a little cheesy, but there are rewards to the process itself. In reading journals you'll become better acquainted with what your peers' work. From time to time, editors may include feedback, which is invaluable. And as you publish locally, you may find yourself being asked to participate in readings. You may begin to feel that you're participating in a larger conversation about contemporary literature. By focusing on these payoffs, you'll weather rejections when they come.
4. Keep Sending Out.
Send new work out
especially when you've received a rejection. It's easier to weather rejections if you know you still have work out there. This is when
having a system in place really helps. Instead of mulling over what you may have done wrong, get some new stories out there.
5. Take a Break.
On the other hand, if you you've been at it awhile and find yourself growing bitter, take a break and concentrate solely on writing -- the reason you're doing all of this in the first place (and the reason these journals exist). Don't let your ambitions for your work get in the way of your enjoyment of it. The most important thing is your writing. Everything else will come in time.
