How to Deal With Rejection as a Writer

Every writer who chooses self-publishing must be braced for the reality of being rejected and sometimes even ridiculed by people who pick apart their work without a second thought. You might hear someone say their grandmother could write better, and if you’ve been through it recently, you know how brutal it can be.

Learning to deal with rejection as a writer, whether it’s kind or downright mean-spirited, is essential, as both publishers and readers can be unfiltered in their feedback. The hardest part is when you, yourself, start to internalize these opinions, allowing them to make you beat yourself up.

But over time, facing these challenges will make you better, even if at first, it feels like a blow to the stomach, leaving you gasping for air. Though the process is painful, acknowledging and analyzing criticism can help you grow, so let’s discuss how to turn rejection into motivation.

Dealing with Rejection: Helpful Tips

1. Understand That Not Everyone’s Going to Get You

Not everyone will appreciate your writing, and that’s okay. When you spend months or even years crafting a novel, pouring your imagination into every detail, and bringing characters to life that you’ve grown to love (or even loathe), it feels deeply personal. You might isolate yourself from family and friends, staring at a computer screen for endless hours, lost in a vibrant world of your own creation.

But when you step into traditional publishing, it becomes just business a publisher might decide that your book lacks an audience, but that’s only one opinion. Even best-selling authors like J.K. Rowling, Dr. Seuss, Agatha Christie, Alice Walker, C.S. Lewis, and Stephen King faced rejection before their manuscripts changed the literary world.

Your work might be different enough to revolutionize a genre, and not everyone will be ready for that. But the good news is, you have options the world of self-publishing offers countless opportunities to explore and bring your work directly to reader

2. Listen to the Criticism

Not all criticism is meant to break you down some can actually make you a better writer. Whether feedback comes from agents, publishers, editors, or readers, understanding how others perceive your work can help refine your craft. While some rejections might lack explanation, the fortunate instances where feedback is given should be valued. I once received criticism for overusing words ending in “ly” like suddenly, hopelessly, recklessly.

At first, I felt offended, but then I realized I was relying on these words as a crutch, and the feedback challenged me to improve. However, not all criticisms are worth accepting. Blanket statements like “You write like a child” or “This story doesn’t have an audience” do nothing to help you grow.

The key to handling criticism is asking yourself one simple question “Does this feedback help me improve as a writer” If not, ignore it and keep moving forward

3. Remember Why You Fell in Love with Writing

At your lowest point, when rejection feels unbearable, take a moment to write a letter to your own heart, reminding yourself why you love writing.

It’s easy to forget in the chaos, but this passion isn’t just about publishing it’s about the way it helps you figure out your thinking and feeling in ways nothing else can. Remember when you first fell for the magic of words? Which writer inspired you and why did it feel so right?

Pour out your emotions in an ode to your craft it will guarantee a shift in your focus, easing the sting of setbacks. Remind yourself that this is your identity, your lifelong purpose, and whether the world accepts it or not, your passion for sharing stories will always be yours.

4. Empower Your Writing Journey by Self Publishing

Self-publishing is the perfect way to take control of your journey, especially after rejection letters from traditional publishers. You don’t have to sit around pleading for acceptance anymore.

Instead, blaze your own trail and become your own publisher. With platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Nook Press by Barnes and Noble, you can easily share your great story with the world.

Whether you’re writing to inspire, entertain, or inform, there’s a place for your written work. Don’t let critics or haters stand in your way; let them be your motivators. But before you self-publish, always make sure to work with an editor to shape up your manuscript so it’s polished and ready for success. Tools like these empower you to connect directly with your audience, turning your passion into a fulfilling career.

5. Stop Writing

When you’re feeling stuck and facing rejection after rejection, it’s okay to stop writing for a while. Sometimes, a vacation or even a hike in the woods can provide the change you need. Do something completely different like visiting a new place you’ve never been before.

This scenery shift can help you come back with a renewed sense of your self as a writer and reignite your passion for writing. It’s not about giving up, but rather taking a step back to motivate yourself. Even in self-publishing, stepping away temporarily can be a crucial step toward finding fresh inspiration.

6. Engage with the Writing Community

As a writer, it’s crucial to connect with others who understand the journey, especially if you’re navigating the world of self-publishing. Whether you’re fellow writers or seasoned professionals, joining online communities is a fantastic way to commiserate over the universal struggle of rejection.

These groups aren’t just places to vent—they’re also a source of support and encouragement. In these spaces, you’ll find experienced writers who can help you work through your feelings and guide you through the publishing process.

Many of them may even become your personal mentor, offering advice and wisdom as you work toward getting your work out to the world. There’s something special about the bond you share with other writers it’s more than just a gripe fest; it’s about lifting each other up and moving forward together.

7. See the Benefit of the Rejection

In self-publishing, rejection can feel personal, but it can also serve as a valuable lesson in toughening your thin skin. One of my favorite writers, Ray Bradbury, was rejected over 800 times, yet he still learned to accept and reject at the same time. His famous words, “You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance,” remind us that acceptance from the mainstream or gatekeepers doesn’t define us.

Instead, what matters is that your story is told and that you continue to share it, regardless of whether it is accepted or not. Bradbury’s approach teaches us that every rejected manuscript is just one step closer to finding its audience and value. So, don’t let rejection stop you; let it push you forward to tell your story in your own way, regardless of the mainstream response.

How We Can Help You Succeed as a Self-Published Author

Writing a book is deeply personal, and facing rejection or criticism can be discouraging. But here’s the truth—your story matters, and the world deserves to hear it.

At Penman International, we empower authors like you to take control of your publishing journey, bypass traditional gatekeepers, and bring your book directly to readers.

We understand the challenges of self-publishing—the doubts, the setbacks, and the overwhelming task of navigating the industry alone. That’s why we offer comprehensive publishing support tailored to your needs, ensuring you don’t just publish a book, but publish successfully.