Lean on Your Support System
Rejection in publishing can feel isolating, especially when you've spent countless hours crafting a story only to have it turned away. During these moments, your support system becomes invaluable—not just for emotional comfort but also for practical advice and encouragement to keep moving forward. Surrounding yourself with people who understand and uplift you can make the difference between giving up and persevering. Here’s how to build, strengthen, and lean on your support system as you navigate the highs and lows of your writing journey.
Connect with Fellow Writers
One of the most effective ways to handle rejection is to connect with others who truly understand the experience. Fellow writers can provide empathy and advice in a way that non-writers often cannot. Writing groups, whether local or online, are excellent spaces to share your journey and gain perspective.
In a critique group, you’ll find peers who can help you improve your manuscript and encourage you when you feel discouraged. Their constructive feedback can illuminate areas where your work can grow, and their shared stories of rejection and success can remind you that rejection is a normal part of the process. Even bestselling authors faced rejection, and hearing those stories from your peers can offer a sense of camaraderie and hope.
If you’re not already part of a writing group, platforms like Meetup, Scribophile, and Facebook groups are great places to start. You can also explore hashtag communities on social media, such as #WritingCommunity on Twitter or Instagram, to find like-minded individuals.
Share Your Journey with Trusted Friends and Family
Your friends and family may not all understand the intricacies of the publishing industry, but their support can still be a powerful source of comfort. Sharing your experiences with those closest to you can help lighten the emotional burden of rejection. Let them know how they can support you, whether that’s by offering a listening ear, celebrating your small victories, or giving you space to write without interruptions.
At the same time, recognize that not everyone in your circle will fully grasp the ups and downs of a writer’s life. That’s okay. Focus on those who genuinely uplift you, and don’t feel obligated to seek validation from those who don’t understand or appreciate your creative pursuits.
Seek Mentorship and Guidance
A mentor in the writing or publishing industry can be an invaluable part of your support system. Someone who has already walked the path you’re navigating can provide insights, share strategies for handling rejection, and offer practical advice for improving your craft and submissions.
You can find mentors through writing organizations, workshops, and conferences. Groups like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) or Mystery Writers of America often have mentorship programs or opportunities to connect with established authors. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone whose work you admire; many writers are generous with their time and enjoy helping others succeed.
Build an Online Community
In today’s digital age, your support system doesn’t have to be confined to your local area. Online communities can provide a sense of belonging and inspiration, especially if you don’t have access to in-person groups. Platforms like Reddit (e.g., r/writing), Discord, and Wattpad host thriving communities of writers at all stages of their careers.
These spaces allow you to share your struggles, celebrate your wins, and even exchange beta reading services. Many writers have found lifelong friends and collaborators through these networks. The key is to engage authentically—offer support to others, participate in discussions, and celebrate their achievements as much as your own.
Lean on Professional Resources
Sometimes, rejection stings because you’re unsure how to move forward. In these cases, professional resources can act as an extension of your support system. Writing coaches, editors, and literary consultants can provide personalized guidance to help you refine your manuscript and submissions. They can also offer an objective perspective that helps you navigate rejection constructively.
Additionally, participating in workshops and classes can connect you with instructors and peers who share your passion. These relationships can blossom into long-term sources of support and motivation.
Celebrate Shared Wins
A support system thrives on shared success. While rejection is part of the process, so are the small (and big) victories that come along the way. Celebrate not only your own achievements but also those of your peers and community members. When someone in your writing group gets published, cheer them on wholeheartedly. Their success is proof that persistence pays off and can serve as inspiration for your journey.
Similarly, let others celebrate your wins, no matter how small they might feel. Whether it’s completing a manuscript, receiving personalized feedback from an agent, or hitting “submit” on a query letter, these milestones deserve recognition. Sharing these moments with your support system reinforces the idea that progress is worth acknowledging, even amid setbacks.
Practice Gratitude for Your Support System
Your support system plays a crucial role in your journey, so take the time to nurture and appreciate those connections. Thank the people who encourage you, give back to the communities you’re part of, and be a source of support for others in return. Building a strong, reciprocal support system ensures that you’ll always have someone to lean on during tough times and celebrate with during triumphs.
Rejection is an inevitable part of a writer’s life, but you don’t have to face it alone. By leaning on your support system—whether that’s a trusted writing group, friends and family, a mentor, or an online community—you can turn the sting of rejection into a stepping stone toward resilience and growth. Writing is a solitary activity, but success is often a collective effort. Let your support system remind you that you’re never alone in your journey.