All writers get rejections: They're part of the process of putting your work out there. Just got two this week, and both sting a little, but they're also badges, little reminders that you're doing the work, taking the risks. And they'll keep coming, until you barely notice them. - ThreadSky

joybaglio.bsky.social • 47 days ago

All writers get rejections: They're part of the process of putting your work out there. Just got two this week, and both sting a little, but they're also badges, little reminders that you're doing the work, taking the risks. And they'll keep coming, until you barely notice them.

Comments

isuckatsocialmedia.bsky.social•47 days ago

I'm just starting my writing career(long story)...right now, I'd be happy with a rejection notice over silence any day. 🤔😏🖖

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

They will come, don't worry! :) But yes, this is such a good perspective, and there are many days I'm just happy to hear back, and almost grateful for how clearly thoughtful the editors on the other end have been with the process. (I have great respect for editors, as I know how hard that work is.)

isuckatsocialmedia.bsky.social•47 days ago

Thanks🖖💙...I guess the saying practice makes perfect is true for writing as well.🤔

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

Yeah, and persistence! :)

joefornow.bsky.social•47 days ago

Well said! Keep on writing!

saltydetachments.bsky.social•47 days ago

My professor told me "aim for 100 rejections before you expect an acception" to dissuade fear of rejection in publishing. He said it was common for even well-known writers to experience huge amounts of rejection before their popularity.

ekvitki.bsky.social•47 days ago

yep, im at 40 so far, decided to write another draft and try again

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

40 badges testifying to your persistence! :)

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

Yep, good advice from your prof! I've done the 100-rejection challenge various years in the past (never quite made it to that number, but it's a helpful metric to aim for!)

saltydetachments.bsky.social•47 days ago

It really helped put it in perspective!

leshudson.bsky.social•29 days ago

I got 3 in 1 day last week. 1 of them in less than an hour after I queried.

If life is a race did I pull ahead a little?

diordarling70.bsky.social•46 days ago

Keep going!

joybaglio.bsky.social•46 days ago

Thanks :) Though not discouraged at all; this was more about normalizing that rejection happens and it's part of the process; wanted to share that in addition to sharing successes.

meamdal.bsky.social•47 days ago

😔

wordsmith55.bsky.social•47 days ago

Have had dozens of rejections but got a Yes the first week of this year. It way cancels out the Nos. Keep going!

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

Amazing, congratulations! Yes, that one yes makes all the no's worthwhile!

jaimewritesfantasy.bsky.social•47 days ago

Keep your head up it's all a process

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

Yes, for sure! It doesn't get me down anymore - been at this for years - but I still find it important to post about rejection just normalize it as part of the writing process. I remember years ago being so thrown off by them, yet they're like the seasons, the tides. :)

maddietlr.bsky.social•47 days ago

Publishers don’t care if your writing is good, or readable, they only care that it fits what they see as the current market.

That’s why 50 shades and Potter were published, terrible writing, fit the market perfectly.

So don’t panic about rejection, it says nothing about your ability.

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

Oh I'm definitely not panicking! Been at this for years, and have many publications - I just want to normalize that rejection happens for everyone, at all career stages. (Also, publishers DO care about good writing! Editors are readers! And lit mag publishers are in it for the love of what they do.)

jerseygirl36.bsky.social•47 days ago

I admire anyone that has the ability to write I on the other hand never had the ability to write anything that got me more than an mediocre grade

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

It's an interesting art, as we all engage with it to some extent just by being in the modern world. Like most things, practice and hours and persistence helps, and I admire all who endeavor at it too!

callene.bsky.social•47 days ago

Bravo to you Joy - for being willing - taking risks - doing the work - and telling about it. Also for being an extraordinary writer!

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

Aw this is the sweetest comment/reply ever, Candace! Thank you :) And bravo to you for being so kind, talented, and all around wonderful!

phaserj.bsky.social•47 days ago

Tends to be because of style / aesthetic imo. If you’re even batting 10% it’s pretty good.

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

Agreed - that's a good percentage. And I think there's a randomness with rejections that reflects reader preference, if you're sending out publishable work, that is. But sure, some styles and aesthetics tend to be less accessible to readers, and hence would be harder to place.

phaserj.bsky.social•47 days ago

Or you mean guest editor etc I know what you’re saying

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

Exactly - was referring to editors as readers.

elebrylla.bsky.social•47 days ago

Rejections used to hurt my feelings SO BAD. Now, I don’t bat an eye and just move on to the next one. Every “no” only makes each “yes” that much sweeter.

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

This is the way! Yes!

stevepavlina.bsky.social•47 days ago

This may be common but isn't universally true. There are rejection-free approaches for writers. I blogged till publishers began coming to me. I've rejected publishers before but have never been rejected by one. One publisher told me they look for pre-approval by the marketplace = less risk for them.

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

Perhaps, but if you're going a traditional publishing route, or aiming for respected literary magazines for fiction (or other creative work), it's the norm for sure. And not a bad thing, in a way. Part of the challenge and the process.

stevepavlina.bsky.social•47 days ago

Agreed. Resistance training is popular indeed.

that1nerdygirl.bsky.social•47 days ago

Absolutely!

kelliedbrown1.bsky.social•47 days ago

I had 3 this week.

joybaglio.bsky.social•47 days ago

Bravo! Three badges showing you are out there sending out work. :)

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