Every writer knows that rejection is a big part of the writing world. Our head tells us that it's something we will need to learn to accept. Something to live with if we want to get published. Our heart tells us that rejection hurts. No getting around that.
As time goes on, and the rejections bounce back, instead of deep hurt, a writer can say they are disappointed. The mature writer accepts it and moves on. The immature writer moves beyond disappointment to feeling deeply hurt and maybe angry.
Writers must face that most likely they will receive more rejections than acceptances. I have yet to meet a writer who has never had a rejection. That is, among those who submit their work for publication. One sure way to never receive a rejection is to not submit anything. But, if you're a writer, you probably hope to see your work in print somewhere, somehow.
After your initial anger, sorrow, or disappointment--however you view a rejection--it's time to look for the lesson. Feel very fortunate if an editor sends a note of some kind to let you know why your piece was not accepted. If you know the reason, it's a lot easier to correct the problem. It's also possible that nothing was wrong with your submission, but the publication had recently used something very similar. If you do get a note from an editor along with the rejection, consider yourself fortunate. Most editors say they don't have time to write a note with the rejection. If you do receive an editor's note, it certainly leaves you feeling more encouraged than despondent.
After you let a couple days, or more, go by after the initial rejection, read your piece as objectively as possible. Look for areas that can be improved, or ones that might be deleted for one reason or another. Work on minor revisions and submit to another publication.
What about sending your work to several places at the same time? Some publications will accept these simultaneous submissions, others will not. If they do, it will be stated in their guidelines. The main problem with submitting to several places at one time is that, if one of them accepts your piece, then you need to notify the other places that your submission is no longer available to them. That means good record keeping and more time taken from actual writing. It's up to each writer whether to make multiple submissions or not. Personally, I choose not to do so.
The beginning writer is more likely to feel hurt when rejections come in. It's all new and it's a tough pill to swallow. The more experienced writer has learned to sigh a bit and move on. The beginning writer is also more apt to feel hurt and/or angry when they receive criticism of their work from someone whom they have asked to do a critique. You asked for their opinion, so be big enough to accept it for what it is--a means to help you be a better writer.
If rejections still bum you, work on learning to see the lesson rather than the disappointment you feel.
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