They say rejection is part of being a writer — almost like a badge of honour—a rite of passage.
As if you’re not a “real” writer until you’ve racked up a certain number of no-thank-yous.
Rejection is expected, apparently.
When I first started taking writing seriously — like really giving it a go — I was told rejection was inevitable.
“It happens to everyone.”
“Even the greats.”
“You have to fail before you succeed.”
The advice came from mentors, writing groups, publishing blogs — you name it. It was like they were preparing me for a storm I had no choice but to walk into.
So when I submitted my first novel, I already assumed it wouldn’t get accepted. I figured the rejection would come, and I’d pick myself up and improve from there.
That’s the way it works, right?!
No surprise — it got rejected.
But I persisted. I rewrote, chopped out entire characters, rewired the plot, then submitted again.