5 Positive Things to Know About Rejection Letters

5 Ways to Think Positively About Rejection Letters

You put yourself out there and got a rejection letter (or several) for your troubles. Ugh! I feel ya! You might be feeling low and blue. There might be a lot of self-doubt running through your head about your ability to write or illustrate. But take heart!

Here are 5 positive things to know about those rejection letters:


1. It was nothing personal. An Editor or Art Director doesn't know you. You could be the most amazing person on the planet and the best writer or illustrator, but all they can see is a mile-high pile of manuscripts or portfolios on their desk that need to be gone through. Rejection letters are simply a blanket way of saying, "not right now. I'm too busy." By the same token, see #2.

2. It more than likely didn't have anything to do with your skills and talents. There were many times I was sent unsolicited manuscripts. Did I read them? Nope. I put them right back in the enclosed stamped envelope without a note. Editors and Art Directors are busy, like crazy busy. I know that's no excuse, because someone (like you) put a lot of time into the manuscript or illustrations and all you want is to be seen. There simply wasn't enough time with 100+ books in various stages of production to give individualized attention to your fantastic creative work. If an Editor or Art Director hasn't asked you to send a manuscript or illustrations, chances are VERY good that you will get seen by an intern and rejected without even a word as to why, or worse, you'll wind up in the slush pile (yes it is real). It has nothing to do with your talents or skills, but see #3.

3. It can make you a better writer or illustrator. When you get a rejection letter, go back through your manuscript or illustration portfolio with a fresh eye, and without the hurt your got from the rejection. My first writings needed improvement and guidance from the mentors I met along the way. I didn't know that then. Think about what can be improved for the next round. How can you up your game to make your creations irresistible? How can you be uniquely you?

4. Something better is coming along. I know this sounds cliche, but it really is true. That publisher that you really wanted to like your idea may have been the worst ever to work with, leaving you with no creative freedom. That rejection letter saved your banana and your creative fervor. And just imagine that the publisher who accepts your idea is going to treat you like gold.

5.  Imagine how it will feel when you receive the acceptance letter. I have received a lot more rejection letters than I have acceptance letters. It's the nature of the game. Every rejection letter hurts a little bit, sometimes more than a little bit. See #1. Every acceptance letter is a coup for me.

One thing I want to stress is that you should NEVER give up. Changing how you think about rejection letters will help you be a more productive and inspiring children's book creative. If it is your dream to hold your children's book in your hot little hands, it will happen. Keep going. Follow the advice of professionals. Join a writer's group. Do whatever it takes to get you and your creative goodies where you want to be.

So tell me in the comments below. How do you handle rejection?