Finding work as a freelance writer can be an exhilarating opportunity for those who love writing and want to earn money from home. In many cases, it’s a chance to create a flexible schedule and work on their terms. Despite the many pros of freelance writing, the fear of rejection turns many away from this path.
When entering the realm of freelance writing, it’s best to anticipate rejection, whether applying for new jobs or pitching article ideas. Learning to change the perception of rejection is critical for growth when dedicating yourself to a writing career. Read on to learn healthy and effective ways to deal with rejection as a freelance writer.
Process your feelings
Rejection stings on some level, but one way to overcome the feeling associated with it is to make a conscious effort to process your feelings. Understand that the rejection of your idea or finished piece is not a rejection of you as a person or writer. It also does not affect your worth.
Your work is not you, and processing rejection to find the positives can be an excellent growth experience for new freelance writers. Take each no as a lesson and hold onto the positives for future cold pitches and articles. You can grow stronger and more confident as you advance your new career.
Seek Feedback
When you receive a rejection, one of the best ways to learn from it and move forward is to seek feedback. Understanding the “why” helps you discover what you can do differently with the next opportunity to enjoy greater success. Getting feedback can feel intimidating, but it is one of the most effective ways to get concrete ideas for improvement as a freelance writer working from home.
Seeking feedback becomes easier with time and exposure, and it can be a healing experience when receiving constructive criticism from an editor who wants to help you learn and grow. It is a much better alternative than stagnation, which results from allowing the fear of feedback and rejection to keep you from enhancing your knowledge and skills.
Consider Resubmitting
After receiving feedback on what you can do differently with the next pitch or piece, it is worth considering resubmitting your idea or article under the new framework. You can alter your idea or finished piece to hit the key points the client or editor points out, ensuring you provide the best quality. It also demonstrates your commitment to doing the job well and promptly providing what the client seeks.
You should also consider resubmitting your work or pitch to other clients. A no from one client does not mean it will be a no from all. Some clients may be low on money or unable to hire a freelancer. Understand that the no could mean less about your work quality and ideas and more about things happening on the client’s end.
If you submit hundreds of cold pitches and none of the potential clients reach out to you, consider a different approach. Use the feedback you received to alter your pitch or article.
Use it as a learning block
Taking rejection and turning it into a learning experience is an essential skill when you commit to writing jobs for your primary source of income. The pain of rejection will diminish with time and understanding, and each no is an opportunity to grow. Use the no to hone your skills and make a compelling pitch.
The learning experience can dovetail with an opportunity to grow numb to rejection. Learning not to take rejection personally can promote growth and happiness in many areas of life, and it will continue serving you well as you start earning money by writing from home. You will discover that rejection is not bad but that the fear of rejection holds many back from reaching their full potential as writers.
Rejection isn’t forever
The last thing to focus on when dealing with rejection is knowing that it’s not forever. You will only need to face rejection long enough to alter your approach to cold pitching and writing. As you increase your skills and knowledge, you will gain consistent clients who want to work with you to promote their goods or services. Pair your willingness to grow with an excellent portfolio, and watch your writing take off.
Deal with and overcome rejection today
Fear of rejection can hold you back from exploring an exciting career path like freelance writing, but there are steps you can take to process rejection and grow from it. Know that it isn’t forever and that each no is an opportunity for growth.
Seek feedback on what you can do differently next time, and process your feelings to understand the no’s roots. Apply with Words of Worth if you’re ready to jumpstart your writing career today!