How to Handle Criticism and Rejection as a Writer

Rejection and criticism are part of the writing journey, but that doesn’t make them any easier to handle. Whether it’s a negative review, a rejection letter from a publisher, or a critique from a peer, the sting can be sharp. However, it’s important to remember that criticism and rejection don’t define your worth as a writer. Instead, they can be opportunities for growth and improvement.

Here are some strategies to help you handle criticism and rejection with grace and use them to propel your writing career forward.

1. Accept that Rejection is Normal

Every writer, no matter how successful, has faced rejection. Even the most celebrated authors have had their fair share of “no’s” before they found their audience. Rejection is a natural part of the process, and it’s important to remind yourself that it doesn’t reflect the quality of your work or your abilities as a writer.

• Famous Examples: Did you know that J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter was rejected by multiple publishers before it became a global phenomenon? Or that Stephen King’s first novel, Carrie, was rejected 30 times before it was published? These authors faced rejection, but they kept going. And so should you.

• Personalizing Rejection: Try not to take rejections personally. They may be about the timing, the market, or even the mood of the person reading your work—not necessarily about the intrinsic value of your writing.

2. Separate Your Work from Your Self-Worth

It’s easy to tie your self-worth to your writing, especially if you pour a lot of emotional energy into your work. However, separating your writing from your identity is crucial when dealing with criticism or rejection. Your work is just one part of who you are, and it doesn’t define you as a person.

• Emotional Distance: When receiving feedback, try to distance yourself emotionally from the work. Criticism is about improving the writing, not about attacking you personally.

• Growth Mindset: Use rejection as an opportunity to learn and grow. Understand that every piece of criticism is a chance to become a better writer.

3. Embrace Constructive Criticism

While rejection can sting, constructive criticism is one of the most valuable tools for improving your writing. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of feedback, try to view it through the lens of growth.

• Identify Actionable Advice: Look for specific suggestions in the feedback. Did the reader struggle with pacing? Was a character not fully developed? Take those notes to heart and use them to make revisions that strengthen your work.

• Ask for Clarification: If you don’t understand some feedback, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. A good critic will be willing to explain their thoughts, and it’s a chance for you to learn and improve.

4. Build a Support Network

Handling criticism and rejection alone can feel isolating, so it’s helpful to surround yourself with fellow writers, friends, and mentors who can offer perspective, encouragement, and support.

• Join Writing Groups: Writing groups are an excellent resource for receiving feedback in a constructive and supportive environment. Having others who understand the emotional highs and lows of the writing journey can help you feel less alone.

• Mentors and Peers: Seek out a mentor or peers who can offer advice and guidance. They can help you navigate rejection, provide perspective on feedback, and encourage you to keep going.

• Positive Reinforcement: In addition to critique, surround yourself with positive reinforcement. Whether it’s through a writing group, friends, or family, make sure you have people in your corner who encourage you to keep writing.

5. Take a Break and Give Yourself Time

Sometimes, the best way to handle criticism and rejection is to take a step back. If the feedback stings too much, or if you’re feeling discouraged, it’s okay to give yourself a little distance from your work. This can help you gain a fresh perspective and approach the feedback with a clear mind.

• Recharge: Take some time to relax and recharge your creative energy. Go for a walk, read a book, or engage in a hobby you enjoy. Allow yourself time to process and reflect without feeling pressure.

• Return with Fresh Eyes: After a break, return to the feedback and your work. With time and emotional distance, you’ll be able to see the advice more clearly and approach revisions with a positive attitude.

6. Focus on What You Can Control

Rejection is something you can’t always control, but there are aspects of your writing journey that you can. Focusing on what you can control will help you feel empowered and motivated to continue.

• Write Every Day: The more you write, the better you’ll get. Make writing a daily habit and set small, achievable goals for yourself. This will help you stay focused and productive, even in the face of rejection.

• Revise and Improve: Take the feedback you’ve received, make revisions, and improve your work. Each draft is an opportunity to refine your craft, and every revision brings you closer to your goals.

• Submit to More Markets: Just because one publisher, magazine, or agent passes on your work doesn’t mean others will. Keep submitting, and remember that rejection doesn’t mean your writing isn’t valuable—it simply means it’s not the right fit at the moment.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Even amidst rejection and criticism, there are often small wins that deserve recognition. Whether it’s finishing a chapter, getting positive feedback from a peer, or simply writing every day for a week, celebrating these moments can help keep you motivated.

• Recognize Progress: Reflect on how far you’ve come as a writer. Celebrate your growth, whether that’s improved writing skills, better discipline, or mastering a particular craft.

• Reward Yourself: After facing a particularly tough rejection or piece of criticism, reward yourself for sticking with it. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, whether it’s a cup of coffee or a night off to unwind.

8. Keep Going—Persistence is Key

The most important thing to remember when facing rejection and criticism is this: persistence is key. The most successful writers are those who don’t give up, even when the road is tough.

• Learn from Rejection: Every rejection is a learning opportunity. It’s not the end of the road—just a signpost pointing you toward growth and improvement.

• Embrace the Journey: Writing is a long journey with many twists and turns. Keep your eyes on the prize and remember why you started writing in the first place. Keep writing, keep submitting, and don’t let rejection stop you from achieving your dreams.

Final Thoughts

Criticism and rejection are inevitable parts of a writer’s journey, but they don’t have to define your success. By accepting rejection as part of the process, separating your work from your identity, and using criticism as a tool for growth, you’ll be better equipped to handle the ups and downs of writing. Surround yourself with a supportive network, keep writing consistently, and always remember: persistence is key. Every rejection brings you one step closer to success, and every critique can make you a stronger, more resilient writer.

Happy writing!