Dealing With Rejection Like a Pro

Johann Thorsson Writing February 25, 2014February 25, 2014 0 Minutes

I’m about to submit a story to Apex Magazine (if you don’t already subscribe, do so now).

I’ve submitted to them once and was rejected, as these things often go. Their submission guidelines page ends with these great words of encouragement:

Keep in mind that the search for awesome stories is as difficult as writing them. If you are rejected, don’t get angry—instead, become more awesome. Write something better, and better, until we have to accept you, because we have been laid low by your tale. It really is that simple.

Print them out. Hang on your wall. Then try again. And again.

At least, that’s what I’m going to do.

Published by Johann Thorsson

Johann Thorsson is a writer of fiction with a supernatural slant, mainly short stories, mainly in English. View all posts by Johann Thorsson

Published February 25, 2014February 25, 2014

2 thoughts on “Dealing With Rejection Like a Pro”

David Jón Fuller says:

February 25, 2014 at 1:04 pm

Well said! That hits the nail on the head, I think — including the advice to keep on keeping on.

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1. Johann Thorsson says:
  
  February 25, 2014 at 1:52 pm
  
  I’ve also submitted to Shimmer magazine (another great one) a few times and always rejected. So I bought more issues of Shimmer, and tried to up my game.
  
  Getting mad at “gatekeepers” helps no one, least of all the writer. Practice. Pay attention to why they reject the story and try to fix that.
  
  Write more. Read more. And then submit again.
  
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