Choice Awaits: You're the One to Be Picked Up
Meg Dowell, a successful freelance writer, graduated from college in May 2014. Despite facing numerous rejections, particularly for writing jobs, she persevered and found her place in the industry. Today, her work appears in esteemed publications such as Teen Ink, Success Story, Lifehack, and USA TODAY College.
Rejection can be demoralizing, but it doesn't mean permanent failure. Dowell emphasizes the importance of building resilience through mindset shifts, continual improvement, and strategic networking.
One key strategy is to celebrate small wins and keep a "brag book" to remind oneself of positive feedback and progress. This helps combat self-doubt and impostor syndrome. Dowell also advises writers to keep writing and refining their work consistently, treating rejection as an opportunity for revision and skill-building rather than failure.
Engaging with peers and mentors is another crucial aspect. Building relationships can provide access to opportunities beyond cold submissions, such as collaborative projects or referrals. Dowell suggests leveraging contests, festivals, or platforms that showcase early work, even if one doesn't yet have paid credits. These placements build external validation and can attract industry attention or contacts.
Following submission guidelines precisely and personalizing query or cover letters to show professionalism and genuine interest can also enhance one's chances of getting read. Always having a new project underway helps maintain enthusiasm and protect oneself emotionally, keeping momentum.
Dowell's journey highlights the importance of patience, discipline, and self-belief. Success rarely comes instantly, but writers who persistently develop their craft, build their portfolios gradually, and connect with the industry despite setbacks tend to break through over time.
If one hasn't found their place yet, they should keep looking. Writing for free can be a way to gain experience and build a portfolio. Dowell won NaNoWriMo nine times, demonstrating the value of persistence.
"No" does not necessarily mean "never". Lack of experience and writing samples can make it difficult to acquire them, but editors may be looking for specific things, and not selecting a candidate does not necessarily mean they lack talent or potential. Everyone has a place where they belong, and one's writing fits somewhere.
Dowell is the creator of Novelty Revisions, a platform dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. Her story serves as a testament to the power of persistence, hard work, and belief in oneself in achieving writing goals. Remember, "No" does not necessarily mean "never". Keep hope alive, work hard, and believe in yourself.
Engaging in continuous education and self-development through mindset shifts, strategic networking, and consistent writing can lead to personal growth and success. Building a "brag book" to document small wins and positive feedback can help combat self-doubt and promote resilience.
