Rejections and Revelations: Why You Should Keep Writing

The sting of a rejection letter can leave even the most seasoned writer feeling deflated. But before you pack away your manuscript and declare yourself a literary failure, take a deep breath and remember this: rejection is a normal part of the writing journey.

Here’s a little secret: even the most celebrated authors faced a mountain of “no’s” before finding their “yes.”

• J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series was rejected by twelve publishers before Bloomsbury finally took a chance.
• Stephen King’s Carrie received 30 rejections before landing a deal.
• Sylvia Plath captured the essence of perseverance perfectly: “I learned this, at least, by living: that if one is brutally honest with oneself, one will come to realize that the only thing to dread is dread itself; and the only thing to fear is fear.”
• Maya Angelou echoes this sentiment: “You may write a book that nobody wants to read. And you may write a book that becomes best selling. But you have to write the book.”

Rejection doesn’t mean your story isn’t good enough. It simply means you haven’t found the right fit yet. Use this as an opportunity to polish your manuscript, get feedback from beta readers, and refine your query letter.

Remember, the act of writing itself is a victory. Every word you put on the page is a step closer to sharing your story with the world. So, keep writing, keep learning, and don’t let a few rejections dim your passion. The world needs your voice!

@vanessavictoriakilmer Romancing the Tropics Volume 2 – What's Inside #vvk #FCRW #booktok #romance #Tropics #whatwritersdowhentheyshouldbewriting ♬ original sound – Vanessa Victoria Kilmer

Check out our next Writers Workshop! It will be well-worth the price of admission. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting at the West Regional Library beginning at 10:00 am until 1:00 pm – https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/locations/west-branch