Inspiring Words on Handling Rejection

In my bedroom (and in just about every other room in my house), I have books on writing and about writers. It's a way to learn more about my craft as well as to feel a part of the writing community. If, for example, a famous writer admits receiving numerous rejections, then I can take heart from learning that it's not just me.

With that in mind, each week I will post some of my favorite inspiring words from other writers--both to boost our collective morale and to give us a metaphorical "kick in the pants" --and invite you to post your comments or suggestions!

So, with no further ado, here is today's quote:

“…whenever I sent something out and it came back, I didn’t waste any time crying over the fact that it had come back. I made it a principle to get it back in the mail by noon.” William Zinsser (from The Resilient Writer by Catherine Wald)

My tip is, when you have something ready to go—a book pitch, a short story, an essay or article query--identify at least five possible targets. That way, if and when it comes back, you already know where you want to send it next.

On more than one occasion, I have had a short story or article idea accepted by a market that was #5 on my list. (The ranking doesn't necessarily imply the target's significance, reputation or pay rate. Sometimes, it's just that I only now found out about a particular market.)

What's your rejection strategy?

Survival Strategy #10: Take one full day off from work each week

Yes, I know you need money. But burnout is an ugly thing and it can happen when you overdo it.

Get away from your desk, the phone, your in-box and do something completely unrelated to writing.

Visit with friends, but refrain from bemoaning your lack of assignments, money or both.

Engage in some form of physical activity—I’ll leave that one to your imagination!

Give yourself a break. You deserve it! You'll come back to writing refreshed, rejuvenated and raring to go!

Survival Strategy #9: Update your resource list

When you do get an assignment, chances are you are going to need experts to interview. Go back through your past articles and create a list (either on Excel or in Word) of the people you’ve interviewed. Note what field they were in and include full contact information as well as what article and publication you interviewed them for.

While you’re at it, visit the PR department of organizations and research facilities in the fields you write on frequently. Ask to be included on their press release list. You’ll get the latest news (which you can often translate into a solid pitch) without having to do more than open an e-mail!

Survival Strategy #8: Check out writing groups and conferences

Okay, while you might be thinking misery loves company, meeting other writers is a great way to find out:
1) that you’re not the only one having a tough time,
2) what markets are still viable opportunities and
3) how other writers are marketing themselves.

Check out my list of Writing Associations and consider joining one. Or plan to attend a writing conference. (Check out the list here.)

Survival Strategy #7: Sign up for writing newsletters

From The Wooden Horse to Writers Weekly to Writer Gazette, there are plenty of great writing newsletters out there with information about the marketplace.

For industry changes and updates, don’t overlook Media Bistro and Publishers Marketplace. (For more, check out my Job Resources list.)

Survival Strategy #6: Go outside your comfort zone

1. If you have been writing strictly for print, consider the Web.
2. If your clients have been editors, head over to the corporate side.
3. If the majority of your clips are articles, explore essay writing.
4. If all you do is write, think about teaching a writing class at schools or conferences.

These are all viable income opportunities but they also help you break out of your rut. And you never know when a hitherto unexplored option might become one of your strengths!

Survival Strategy #5: Improve your web presence

If it’s been awhile since you updated your Web site, this is as good a time as any to do so. Make sure it presents you and your abilities in the best possible light.

Visit other writers’ sites for ideas on what to include or eliminate. Check any hot links you may have to make sure they are still active.

While you’re at it, update your sig line (at the end of your e-mail) to include your contact information and a short bio.

Survival Strategy #4: Set yourself a goal

Each day, spend at least two hours working the list. I cold-call new-to-me magazines and informational web sites to find out if there is an interest and if so, where I should send my LOI (letter of introduction) and clips. A lot of publications and web sites assign stories so having my name in the pool increases the odds that I’ll get the assignment.

For corporate work, I concentrate on ad agencies and PR firms, since many of them routinely use freelancers on a per-project basis. Since I already know the type of clients they work (see Survival Strategy #3) I emphasize what I bring to the table that fits their market base.

Survival Strategy #3: Create a target market list.

This consists of potential corporate clients or new-to-you magazines (or both) as well as those clients and editors you have written for in the past.

Start with those you have worked for in the past. Touch base via phone or e-mail, update them on what you’ve done recently, and let them know that you’d love the chance to work with them again.

For the new ones, first pre-qualify them: check out their web sites for contact information and background details. Are you a good fit for them? If not, cross them off the list. If so, gather enough data so you can pitch appropriately or, if it’s a corporate client, so you can discuss their needs intelligently.

Survival Strategy #2: Know yourself

Make a list of what your past writing/editing responsibilities/jobs were to figure out what your strengths are or where you have the greatest knowledge base.

Start with the type of work you did. Was it for print or web? Publications or corporate clients? What was the style: informational or how-to, highly technical or consumer-friendly? You'll feel more confident marketing your experience.

Then look at the industries and categories you have covered: healthcare, government, B-2-B, science, whatever. Where is your knowledge base the strongest? In which category do you have the biggest source list? It's always easier to find work in fields you are most familiar with.

Survival strategies for a frigid freelance market

Those of you who, like me, make your living as a freelancer know how cold it is out there. Markets have frozen over, corporate clients are trying to thaw out budget freezes, and in general, it's become a cold, cruel world.
Well, no one said it would be easy--although the hardest part can be figuring out what to try next. With that in mind, I'm going to post a new suggestion each day for the next ten days here at The Writer's Place.
Try one, try them all, leave some of your own strategies. Perhaps the heat from our combined efforts will thaw this frigid market!
Happy writing!

Survival Strategy #1: Keep your chin up.
Have your article pitches been rejected or worse, ignored? Have your corporate assignments dwindled to nothing? The good news is that it isn't you or your abilities. The market is hard right now.
So don't fall into the trap of thinking that your lack of work means you are no good at what you do. Instead, use this time to update your resume and scan your clips.
Not only will you be glad you did when someone asks for your background, it will remind you that you have satisfied editors and clients in the past and will do so again in the future.

New Year’s Resolutions, Writer’s Style

There’s no doubt about it—2008 was a challenging year for writers. Magazines cut their staff or folded entirely, with freelancers left out in the cold.

Some of us had to scale back our pay standards, settling for rates that we accepted when we first started out while others have had to supplement their writing work with other, non-writing-related positions.

And although it’s a new year, we aren’t all that confident that the digit change will make all that much difference.

We may not be able to change what’s happening in the economy. But what we can do is change our attitude. Don’t think “survive,” think “thrive.” Don’t focus on what opportunities have disappeared but seek out new prospects. In other words, take charge of your writing future instead of figuratively throwing in the pencil.

With that in mind, here are five New Year’s Resolutions I've come up with. Feel free to borrow or add your own!

This year I resolve to:

• Move outside of my comfort zone. Consider writing about new topics or categories. Widen your knowledge base (and source list) so you can write knowledgeably in other areas.

• Seek new opportunities. If you’ve been writing for magazines, it might be time to take on corporate projects or offer manuscript editing. Get out from behind your computer monitor and teach what you know best at schools, writing conferences or even corporations. (Check out my new “Job Resources” page for writing opportunities.

• Move forward on my writing dream. You always wanted to write a non-fiction book or a novel, or put all your essays into an inspirational collection. Since you have a little extra time on your hands (thanks to the industry slowdown), put your time and energy into that project.

• Create an inspiring work environment. A fresh year needs a fresh look and what better place to start than your office? Change the wall color, add some inspirational artwork, rearrange your desktop—do whatever you can to breathe new life and energy into the space. (Check out The Writer’s Pond for some great items! Or try some writing-oriented feng shui at Feng Shui for Writers or How to Feng Shui Your Writing Space.)

• Keep my sense of humor. This can be a little difficult when rejections crowd your inbox or writer’s block has turned into writer’s mountain. A great place to start tickling your funny bone is The Writer At Work site.

If you have others to add, please click on COMMENTS to post them.

Happy New Year!