Rejection is a word every writer dreads. It stings, it lingers, and no matter how many times you prepare yourself for it, it still feels personal. As a self-published author who has poured heart, time, and no small amount of caffeine into manuscripts and pitches, I know the weight of that inbox notification that starts with “We regret to inform you…”

But here’s the truth: rejection is part of the writing life. And it doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer. In fact, it usually means you’re exactly where you should be: creating, submitting, and chasing opportunities.

Pitching Comes in Many Forms

Recently, I submitted two separate book pitches to Wattpad Originals, a program known for highlighting standout voices on their platform. Both pitches were rejected, but only after making it several rounds into their review process, which made it sting worse. It was disappointing, of course. I had invested time shaping those pitches, choosing the right projects, imagining the potential of seeing them flourish under the Originals banner. And yet, no dice.

And to add to the mix, one of my other manuscripts is currently in the nebulous void of “agent review,” which, if you’ve ever experienced it, can feel like literary purgatory. It can take up to six months to hear back. Six. Months. That’s half a year of trying not to check your email compulsively while simultaneously preparing your heart for both acceptance and the inevitable form rejection.

But here’s the thing I want to emphasize: rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It doesn’t mean the story isn’t worth telling. Sometimes, it’s just not the right fit. Sometimes, a publisher or agent is looking for something extremely specific. The literary agent world is one of trend chasing, and they keep their eye honed in on that goal alone. Sometimes, you did everything right, and it still didn’t land. That doesn’t make your story any less powerful.

In the case of Wattpad, despite both of my pitches being turned down, something wonderful happened: they reached out to say they want to work with me one-on-one to shape my next pitch. Will they ever respond to my emails? We’ll see. So far, I’ve been ghosted, but that doesn’t mean I did something wrong. That tells me it wasn’t about talent. It was about alignment. The point was that my work was good enough for them to care.

When you’re in the thick of rejection, it helps to remember a few key things:

1. Keep Writing

It might sound obvious, but it’s the best piece of advice I can give. The only way to make it through rejection is to keep creating. Don’t wait around for validation to start your next story. Dive into it. Let yourself fall in love with a new idea. Use that energy to push forward.

When my pitches are rejected, I allow myself one hour of feeling sad (and maybe a little dramatic), and then I open up my document for my next manuscript. I give myself permission to dive head-first into the next thing to distract myself while I wait. I give myself purpose so I don’t ruminate on the rejection.

If you’re querying agents, the best advice is to always have another manuscript in progress. That way, you’re not putting all your hopes into one project. You have options. You stay sharp. The waiting period for an agent’s response can be brutal, but having another book to focus on will keep your mind busy and your goals moving forward.

2. Consider Self-Publishing

Self-publishing is a powerful option, especially if you have a story you want to tell on your own terms. If you find yourself in between traditional opportunities, or you’re just tired of waiting for a yes, turn to the story that excites you. The one that makes you giddy to sit down and write. The one you think might be too niche or too odd or too personal.

Self-publishing lets you bring that story to life, exactly the way you envision it. You can connect directly with readers, experiment with your voice, and prove to yourself that you don’t need permission to be an author. You already are one. I typically give myself 50 agents and 50 rejections before I move a project back to the self-publishing corner! It’s not a hard and fast rule, it’s just one that works for me.

3. Rejection Isn’t Failure

Every successful author has faced rejection, yes, even legends like Stephen King and Octavia Butler. They all have stories of agents and publishers turning them down. Rejection is not a sign that you should stop. It’s a sign that you’re doing the work. That you’re brave enough to put your heart out there. That you’re chasing something that matters to you. Sometimes, you do need a break, though! LitReactor has a great list of things you can do to rest your mind, if you feel like that’s what you need.

4. Take Control of Your Author Career

When you self-publish, you become the captain of your own ship. You decide the timeline, the marketing strategy, the cover, the genre blending, the pricing. You get to put something beautiful into the world on your own terms. You deserve to be able to get it out in the world looking as best as it possibly can, with or without an agent’s permission.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re interested in self-publishing but feel overwhelmed, I offer self-publishing consultations to help guide you through the process, from formatting and uploading your book to marketing strategies and launch planning. I also offer editing services to help bring your manuscript to its highest potential. Reach out! I’d love to connect and see what we can do to bring your book to life.

Because here’s the truth: rejection doesn’t get the final say. You do.

Your story matters. Your voice matters. And the world needs the kind of stories only you can tell.

So if you’ve been rejected recently, whether by Wattpad, an agent, a publisher, or even your inner critic, I want to remind you that you are not alone. Your worth is not defined by someone else’s email. Your success is not determined by one person’s decision.

Keep writing. Keep dreaming. And if you’re ready, take the leap and make your publishing journey your own.

Your next favorite story might be the one you write today.