Handling Rejection

In the writing world, we all face rejection for submissions, rejected job bids and rejected queries for submissions. For some, it can be hard to take. My first rejection for a job was purely on the basis that my profile was 'work in progress' and I was in the process of updating it. The client turned me down saying that I didn't have any references. I did - but they weren't up on my site. The client promptly declined my bid and that was that, even though I sent him feedback from other clients. Too late.

That rejection really got to me, but instead of sulking or getting mad at myself, I fixed the problem immediately and got cracking with the next lot of work. After all, in the writing world, rejection is extremely commonplace and as far as any good writer is concerned, part and parcel of the job.

The only way to deal with rejection is to get to work on your next proposal and next bid. That's it. If you cannot bear the thought of being rejected, forget it - you are not cut out to be a writer. My attitude is to take it on the chin and get on with it. I now have regular work coming in and whether my proposals are accepted or not, it is not going to deter me from re-applying to the same place.

In fact, keep sending proposals. The more you do, the more you get yourself noticed. If you keep getting rejected, work on your proposal techniques.  A great book on this is 'No contacts? No problem! How to Pitch and sell a freelance feature' does exactly what it says on the tin and is an invaluable source of guidance on the matter.

And whatever you do, keep writing!