How to Avoid Info Dumping in Stories | Examples & Tips
April 15, 2026
Writer’s Mindset: Simple Habits to Think Like a Writer
April 17, 2026How to Avoid Info Dumping in Stories | Examples & Tips
April 15, 2026Writer’s Mindset: Simple Habits to Think Like a Writer
April 17, 2026How to Deal with Rejection: A Simple Guide to Bounce Back
Why do I keep getting rejected? As a new writer of novels, this question can be a sore and perplexing one. The fact is, rejection is a normal part of writing, and you can learn from it without losing your motivation. Rejection does not mean your story is bad. It simply means it is not the right fit at that moment. It is best to accept rejection as feedback and continue working on your writing and be consistent. Every successful author has faced rejection at some point, and many popular books today were rejected several times before being published.
What does it mean?
Rejection in fiction writing means the rejection of your story, novel or manuscript by publishers, agents or even the readers. This can happen for many reasons, such as,
- The story might not be in line with the trends in the market.
- The agent may already be considering a similar book.
Rejection is not always about your writing. Often, it is simply a matter of timing or market demand.
It’s important to understand this,
- Rejection does not mean the end of your talent.
Sometimes rejection means your writing needs revision, and that is not a failure. It is simply a part of being a learner. Consider it as a part of the writing process. Rejection is just like editing and revising, it helps you grow.
Not all rejections are the same. Some are standard form rejections, while others include personal feedback. A personal rejection typically indicates that your work was close to acceptance and that is a positive sign.
Instead of asking, “Am I good enough?”
Start to ask, “What can I improve?”
What to do when you are rejected as a writer Step-by-step.
This is a basic, easy-to-understand tutorial on how to cope with rejection as a writer step by step:
Step 1: Take a Break and Work through your emotions.
It’s okay to feel disappointed. Rejection can be personal at times, though you are aware that it is not, and that is entirely natural.
Take a break for a day or two. Do not rush into making decisions such as giving up on writing.
Don't keep rereading the rejection email right away. Give yourself space. Strong emotions can affect your thinking, so taking some time helps you respond more calmly.
Step 2: Distancing Yourself with Your Work.
Your identity is not your story.
A rejected manuscript does not mean you are a failure. It simply means this version of your work may need more revision or a different opportunity.
Step 3: Look for Feedback (If Available)
Sometimes agents or editors include small clues in their feedback.
Even a brief comment like 'the pacing could be better' is helpful.
Ask yourself,
- Is the introduction captivating?
- Are characters interesting?
- Is the plot flowing well?
If you don't receive detailed feedback, look for patterns across multiple rejections instead. If you start receiving personalised responses instead of generic ones, it's often a good sign. This is a good indication that your writing is becoming better and closer to being accepted.
Step 4: One Thing at a Time.
Don’t attempt to correct everything at once. Focus on things like,
- Make the first chapter stronger
- Make Character goals Clearer
- Make your Character speak natural dialogue
It can be easy to be overcome in attempting to fix everything at once and it slows down your progress.
One of the best ways for beginners to deal with rejection is through small, gradual improvements.
Step 5: Continue Submitting (Consistency Matters)
When there is one rejection, it is not the end. Even seasoned writers have to tolerate dozens of rejections before they are successful.
Set a goal,
- Submission to 5-10 agents/platforms simultaneously.
- Monitor your submissions in order to determine what is working.
It is easier to handle rejection if you think of submissions as a numbers game. Submit your work in batches rather than sending it everywhere at once. By doing so, you can work on your manuscript between submissions, rather than submitting the same one everywhere.
If you've submitted your work several times (for example, 2–3 submissions) and keep getting the same result, consider revising it carefully while also working on a new project.
Step 6: Establish a Writing Habit.
Taking action creates motivation more effectively than waiting for it. Be a consistent writer, even when you are not feeling inspired. Example routine,
- 30 minutes daily writing
- 10 minutes editing
Stability minimises the emotional effect of rejection. Even brief writing sessions will keep you in touch with your work. Connecting with other writers through writing groups or online communities can make rejection easier to handle and help you become a better writer.
Step 7: Be in touch with Your “Why”
Why did you start writing? Was it to,
- To tell stories?
- To express emotions?
- To publish a novel?
Write your 'Why' somewhere you can see it so you can return to it during difficult times.
When your purpose is larger, rejection is smaller.
Examples / Mini Tips
As you may have heard, even well-known authors such as J.K. Rowling faced many rejections before they were published. And someday you may become a model to other new writers.
Scenario 1: The Novice Novelist.
Ravi writes his first novel and sends it to 5 publishers. They all reject it. Instead of giving up, he,
- Rewrites chapters 1-3.
- Becomes a member of a writing group.
- Resubmits
Result: His story improves, and eventually one of the agents becomes interested.
Always make improvements before submitting something.
Scenario 2: The Author of the Short Story.
Anita is a short story writer for a magazine, and she is rejected.
She edits her story and submits it to another magazine.
Result: Another magazine accepts it.
Rejection does not mean that the story cannot be successful elsewhere. Each platform is different and identifying the one that fits your preferences is as crucial as quality.
Quick test
- Keep a rejection tracker. It can motivate you over the long run.
- Congratulate your hard work, not only on achievement.
- Write something new as you wait to receive feedback.
- Be consistent with small weekly writing or submission goals.
- Rest occasionally, but don't stop for too long. Burnout can be just as discouraging as rejection.
Common Mistakes Made By Beginners
- Taking rejection personally is one of the greatest mistakes. Writing is just a skill, not a measure of your value.
- Many authors quit too early by giving up after just 2–3 rejections. Have at least 20 submissions before you judge your work.
- Ignoring feedback is another reason. Even a slight tip is important. Mainly focus on recurring feedback and work on that aspect.
- Re-sending the same draft will not be helpful. Every time you submit a manuscript, you should make it better than the previous one.
- Comparing yourself with other writers. Every writer is unique, you must concentrate on your achievement, not on the success of another person. Excessive self-comparison is more likely to kill motivation than rejection.
FAQ (People Also Ask)
Final thought
Every beginner writer or novelist needs to learn how to manage rejection as a writer without being frustrated. Rejection helps writers improve their skills. The process of writing should continue because writers need to make progress through their work.
Keep writing. Keep improving. Keep submitting.
Your story matters. With patience and persistence, the right opportunity will come.
The only actual failure is when someone gives up before reaching their goal.
Learn how to stay motivated while writing a book, how to start writing a book, and how to stay consistent until it's finished
Writing can feel lonely sometimes. Why not join me on Patreon? I share a mix of both free and premium writing content there and I’d love to have you there!
