Navigating Rejection: What to Do When You're Not Accepted
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Understanding Rejection in Writing
Rejection is a part of the creative journey that everyone encounters at some point. After hitting the submit button on my draft, I received the dreaded email from a publication stating that my piece was not accepted. The polite phrasing was a little too subtle, almost like saying, "YOU GOT REJECTED!"
What went wrong? Initially, I was frustrated and confused, questioning whether I had overlooked the submission guidelines. After a thorough review, I found no violations on my part. Eventually, I realized the core issue was the story itself—it simply wasn't good enough.
Embracing the Learning Process
Rather than letting the rejection deter me, I decided to make some revisions and publish the story independently. In hindsight, that may not have been the best choice, as the piece still fell short of expectations. It remains a reminder of my journey, a potential stepping stone toward improvement.
Sometimes, our narratives fail due to inadequate writing, a weak plot, or impulsive submissions. That's exactly why editors exist—to help maintain the quality of publications. While it's essential to support aspiring writers, we must acknowledge that not every story deserves publication.
The first video, "Stanford accepts you IF... | Admitted student's review of my REJECTION (reaction)," explores personal experiences with rejection and acceptance in the competitive world of academia.
The Need for Constructive Feedback
It would certainly be beneficial if publications provided personalized feedback to writers about their submissions. Some stories are clear in their shortcomings—mine was practically shouting, “I’m not worthy of publication!”
Moving Forward
As writers, we must accept that setbacks are part of the process. They offer us valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.
The second video, "Your College Essay Didn't Get You Accepted, You're Just Rich," addresses the complexities of acceptance and the varying factors that influence it, shedding light on the often-unseen aspects of success.
Thank you for reading!