Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Coaching & Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact

The Wordsmiths' Cafe- Edition 4: 3 Things to Do With a Rejection

April 1, 2017 by Abby McDonald

“I could wallpaper an entire room with rejection letters,” my writing instructor said.

I wished he was kidding, but I knew it was true. There have been many times when I received an email I didn’t want to open. The subject line said it all.

“Thank you.”

In other words, thank you but no thank you. Thank you, but your piece doesn’t fit our needs at this time. If we get enough of those emails, we may decide writing is not our thing. It’s too hard, or perhaps we heard God wrong when we felt him calling us to do it.

After writing off and on in different genres for the past eight years, I’ve learned rejection will come. There is no question about it. But we can learn from it. It can make us grow instead of making us bitter, and we can become better writers because of it.

We have to see it as a stepping tool rather than a smack in the face. Even though it does feel like a smack in the face.

Here are 3 things you can do after a rejection:

  1. Ask yourself, “Is this the right market?” There are a lot of publications out there. It can be overwhelming, and it may take a while to find the right one for the piece you’re writing. But if you submit your place to a magazine, e-zine, etc. where it doesn’t fit, the only result will be frustration. Take time to read the publication’s back pieces and see if your manuscript will compliment what they write. If it doesn’t, keep looking.
  2. See if there are any opportunities outlined in your rejection email or letter. Sometimes you’ll receive an email saying the piece doesn’t fit their needs. So what are their needs? Does the publication have a list of themes they stick to each quarter? If so, you may be able to save your manuscript to submit later. Make sure you look at all the guidelines and needs of the publication before you submit. Doing so will not only save the editor time, but you as well.
  3. Take time to explore your niche. It can take years to find your niche and your voice as a writer. Don’t try to rush the process. Ask yourself, “Who am I writing to? What is her story? What are her struggles, her dreams and her beliefs?” Asking yourself these questions will not only make you a better writer, but target your audience. Because trying to write for everyone will essentially mean writing for no one.

Whatever you do, don’t give up! Remember, some of the best writers faced rejection many times before they saw success. Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Max Lucado and Lysa TerKeurst (just to name a few) all forged their way through letters saying “no” before they saw their first “yes.”

Time spent honing your craft and learning is never wasted. Writers write their way through doubt. So pick up the pen, pull out the laptop and keep going.

 

Share if you care!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: rejection, writing

Let’s Stay Connected

Subscribe to receive my latest posts via email.
And as a thank you, I’ll send you a free PDF download of
"The Daughter’s Manifesto."

Privacy Policy

Comments

  1. tammy @ faithhopelovefood.com says

    April 1, 2017 at 7:02 am

    Great practical words of advice and encouragement! Thank you!

    • Abby says

      April 2, 2017 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks so much Tammy!

  2. Kristine Brown says

    April 1, 2017 at 8:33 am

    Encouraging and practical wisdom you shared in today’s post, Abby. You are right. There is often other information in those rejection emails we can glean and learn from. I love that you are sharing lessons learned from your journey with us!

    • Abby says

      April 2, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      Thank you, Kristine! I pray it’s helpful to those who are dealing with this.

  3. Bev @ Walking Well With God says

    April 1, 2017 at 9:51 am

    Abby,
    Writers are kind of like inventors. Each “failure” or shall we say “non-success” is one step closer to succeeding. Good advice here!
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

    • Abby says

      April 2, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      Such a great analogy, Bev. Thank you for sharing! xoxo

  4. themomgene says

    April 3, 2017 at 8:18 pm

    I love this. It took me so many rejections letter until I found my agent, who in turn asked me to establish my platform for 6 months before she officially signed me and now we’re in the rejection/acceptance period of getting my book through the publishers. All of these tips are very true and very apt.

    • Abby says

      April 4, 2017 at 9:22 am

      Wow, you and I are on very similar journeys. Encouraging to hear I am not alone! Thank you for sharing.

      • themomgene says

        April 4, 2017 at 9:52 am

        You are NOT alone

  5. betsydecruz says

    April 4, 2017 at 9:24 am

    Great encouragement and hopeful advice here today, Abby. Thank you. I like this, “Writers write their way through doubt.”

  6. Lisa Appelo says

    April 4, 2017 at 9:36 pm

    Wise advice, Abby! When I look back, the *failures* in my life taught me lessons I wouldn’t give back. And re-directed my course in many ways. But, boy do they hurt in the moment. I am learning to rest in God because He opens doors no man can shut and closes door no man can open.

Hi! I'm Abby and I'm so glad you're here. I am a wife and a mom of two very energetic boys and one sweet baby girl. When I'm not chasing them around I love to write about my love for a God who relentlessly pursued me, even during my darkest times. READ MORE...

Let’s Stay Connected

Subscribe to receive my latest posts via email. And as a thank you, I’ll send
you a free PDF download of "The Daughter’s Manifesto."

Privacy Policy

Stay Connected

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Popular Posts

How to Thwart the Subtle Attacks of the Enemy
How God Responds When His Own Want to Die
4 Truths to Hold Onto When You Think You've Let God Down
When You're Losing Hope in Your Season of Waiting

You Can Find Me Here

Take the Challenge

Categories

Recent Facebook Posts

Recent Facebook Posts

Recent Pins

Latest Instagram Feed

When information comes at you like a water hose, i When information comes at you like a water hose, it’s difficult to know what your next step is.

This is how the writing world often feels. Everyone has a different opinion about what you need to do next, how to get published and achieve your goals. And there are some amazing resources out there. Here’s the problem: They’re not personalized. No one knows your unique story but you, and the people you choose to share it with.

When I first started writing, I often felt overwhelmed by information. But over the years, I learned what works and what doesn’t. I learned how to stay authentic in a world where it can feel like everything’s already been said. I found my unique voice and discovered how to share it effectively. With time, experience, and my fair share of rejection, I landed a literary agent. Then, a traditional publishing contract.

I want to share what I learned with you.

If you’re a writer who wants to share your words but feels uncertain about your next step, I can help. Through coaching, we will help you identify what YOUR goals are, and how to help you achieve them. It all starts with finding your unique voice.

👉🏼 Want to see how I can help you? Book your free 30-minute discovery call via the link in my bio.

Here’s what one person said after working with me:

“Abby was insightful and intuitive. She spurred me to write consistently and reach out and look for other opportunities to be published. 10 out of 10!” -Toni

#writingcoach #writingcommunity #amwriting #publishinglife #keepgoing
For a long season of life, I hung my identity on t For a long season of life, I hung my identity on the different hats I wore: wife, mother, friend, woman of faith. But when I felt like I was failing at any of these roles, my world would become unstable. 

Over time, God showed me that knowing who I was started with knowing him in a more real, personal way. Not as a distant rule enforcer but as a friend who was there for me, especially when I felt the most vulnerable.

The more I learned about him, his love and unchanging character, the more I learned about my own identity. I saw that these different hats I wear are meant to enhance, but not define. 

Sweet relief comes when I let “daughter” become my tried and true name.

#hopewriters #amwriting #surprisedbymotherhood #encouragingwords #hisgrace
Sometimes inspiration comes in moments I don’t e Sometimes inspiration comes in moments I don’t expect. (swipe left) But as I read about the Wright brothers defeats and discouragements yesterday, a sense of awe and wonder filled me. Two years after Wilbur confessed to his brother that he didn’t think men would fly for fifty years, they made their first successful flight. After hundreds of failures, they did what hadn’t been done. 

When I see this type of tenacity, it makes my failures seem like stepping stones. It makes me want to keep trying, seeking and letting each experience propel me forward.

#wrightbrothers #obxvacation #kittyhawk #firstinflight
We made it to our spot for the week. 😎 #summer We made it to our spot for the week. 😎

#summervacation #obx
There is always more to the story. More than the p There is always more to the story. More than the portion we see in the square. More than what we see in the snippets of people’s lives they choose to share, whether in person or on a screen. 

Take this verse in Philippians 4, for example. Up until several years ago, I didn’t know these words preceded the famous, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Little did I know, Paul was never talking about the things we often slap this verse on top of. He was talking about something beyond this life- the secret to everything, really.

Context matters, both in reading scripture and in the way we view the lives of those around us. And while we may never know the whole story behind our friend’s IG post, we can remember there is one. We can strive to embrace the secret Paul discovered. But here’s the key: It start with the death of the things we often think matter the most. 

This truth may the be “IG worthy” or popular, but it can transform us from the inside out. It can make us stop reaching for a facade, and claim what’s already ours.

Can I get an amen?

#hopewriters #shiftyourmindset #scriptureoftheday #contextmatters
Welcome to the next edition of Writing on Wednesda Welcome to the next edition of Writing on Wednesdays! Today we’re going to talk the one question you should ask yourself before you begin writing. When I started writing non-fiction eight years ago, my writing was all over the place. I wrote about anything and everything that popped into my head, as many writers do when they begin.

The problem with this is that while we may think we’re writing to everyone, we actually end up writing to no one. So what do we do? How can we make sure those who need our message the most will find it?

Before I sit down to write a piece, I ask myself, “What is the one thing I want my reader to know when she leaves my site?”

Doing this helps narrow all the hundreds of ideas I have swimming around my head. It focuses my thinking. It also improves my writing.

Asking this question will also lead to other questions, which focus on who your reader is. Some of these questions may include:

👉🏼What is she (or he) struggling with today?
👉🏼Where is she going?
👉🏼What is the one question she is asking herself?
👉🏼What are the problems that keep her awake at night?
👉🏼What is her family life like? Does she have a husband and kids?

Knowing who your audience is and what types of questions they’re asking will take your writing to another level. And while I used to think narrowing my focus would limit my writing, it actually expands it. Because instead of having to write to everyone and about everything, I can focus on the message that is important to me.

Your reader will likely be a version of yourself. It may be a younger version of you or perhaps an older, wiser one, but she will share many of your personal traits. Because we write what we know. We write what we’ve experienced and care about, and what we hope to encourage others with so they know they’re not alone.

So the next time you sit down, imagine your reader is sitting cross the table from you and the two of you are having coffee or tea. Think about the things you would talk about. Think about the questions she might ask you or the burden she would lay down because she has no one else to talk to.

Then, write. Write like you’re writing to her.

#amwriting #authorsofinstagram
Do you ever feel like this guy? (He came up to the Do you ever feel like this guy? (He came up to the house to say hi today.) Like despite all your effort, hard work and tears you’re still moving at this pace? 

Lord knows, I have. But here’s what God is teaching me: Slow and steady progress is much more sustainable than overnight success. With each hour I devote to the next project or task He’s given me, He teaches me. He prepares me.

The slow growth does a deeper, more lasting work. My roots grow deeper and are able to withstand the harsh seasons.

If you feel like your work is in vain today, friend, take your weary heart to the One who sees you today. He walked the road with the least of these and the overlooked, and He’ll renew you with the grace you need for the journey.

#hopewriters #keepgoing #hisgraceissufficient #encouragingword #writersofinstagram
The first night of dance recital is in the books a The first night of dance recital is in the books and there were so many memorable moments, but this one is near the top for me: my girl’s first father daughter dance. Before one of the of the other dads there took the stage with his senior, he looked at Chris and said, “Don’t blink.” Goodness, I get it. With each passing day, I want to be more present.

Thankful to my sweet friend for capturing this picture.

#dancerecital #mothersofinstagram #dontblink #surprisedbymotherhood
WRITING ON WEDNESDAYS Did you know that Walt Dis WRITING ON WEDNESDAYS 

Did you know that Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City newspaper because he “lacked imagination” and “didn’t have any new ideas?” Of course, we know this rejection wasn’t the end of his story. He went on to inspire us, capture our childlike pursuit of joy, and create characters we still enjoy today. But what if he’d given up? What if he’d let that moment define him?

Rejection can feel like the end of the story, but it isn’t. It’s simply a turning point. It’s an invitation to say, “What works? How does this moment give me the opportunity to grow?”

When you face a rejection in writing, here are 3 things you can do:

1. Pitch it somewhere else. A rejection at one publisher or site doesn’t mean it will be a no somewhere else.
2. Tweak and refine. How can you continue to hone your craft? How can you consider any helpful feedback given?
3. Continue to plant seeds. Growing the trust of your readers and your readership base is a just as worthy of your attention as writing a book. 

Whatever you do, keep writing. Keep creating. God will use your obedience to this calling in ways you may never expect.

#writingonwednesdays #hopewriters #keepwriting #amwriting #writingcommunity #writingcoach
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 Abby McDonald | Design by The Design Diva | Development by MRM | Privacy Policy

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

Subscribe to receive my latest posts via email.
As a thank you, I’ll send you a free PDF download of “The Daughter’s Manifesto.”