Can rejection make you a stronger writer? May 20, 2013

Most writers can remember that queasy feeling when opening a response from an agent or publisher, our eyes skimming the page, seeking—yet afraid to read—the rejection between the politely worded lines. While few writers are immune to the initial despair that a rejection brings, I wonder can a rejection make me stronger? I believe the answer is yes. Just as overcoming an illness can up our bodies’ natural defenses, a rejection, if used as an opportunity for growth, can strengthen our writing. Rather than submitting the exact same manuscript (ms) to another editor or agent, grasp the opportunity to reread what you’ve written with a critical eye. Scan your rejection letter for hints on how to improve your ms. Then get out in the company of fellow writers—after all, misery love company—and attend a critique group, conference, workshop or lecture. Take notes and use them to revisit and revise your work. Then send it out again, keeping in mind the encouragement of a fellow local SCBWI member, “Think of each rejection as bringing you closer to the publisher who will accept your ms.” Just make sure it’s an even better ms each time you submit it.