How to Handle Rejection as an Indie Author

Introduction
Rejection is an inevitable part of every author’s journey, and for indie authors, it can feel particularly personal and disheartening. Unlike traditionally published authors, indie authors often wear multiple hats—writer, editor, marketer, and publisher. When your work is rejected or criticized, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, learning to handle rejection constructively is key to growing as a writer and building a successful career. In this post, I’ll share strategies for turning rejection into a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.

If you’ve ever felt defeated by rejection, remember: it’s not the end of your journey—it’s an opportunity to become a stronger and more resilient storyteller.

Step 1: Reframe Rejection as Feedback
One of the most empowering ways to handle rejection is to reframe it as constructive feedback rather than a personal failure. Every piece of feedback—whether from an editor, a beta reader, or even a critical review—offers insight into how your work is being perceived. Instead of seeing rejection as a dead end, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

When receiving feedback, try to distance yourself emotionally from your work. This allows you to evaluate comments objectively and see where improvements can be made. Constructive criticism can be invaluable; it can point out plot holes you may have missed, underdeveloped characters, or areas where pacing lags.

Example: When my manuscript for [Book Title] was initially rejected by several agents, I took a step back and reviewed their feedback. One common note was that my protagonist’s motivations were unclear. Instead of giving up, I revised my manuscript to make her goals and desires more explicit, which ultimately led to a stronger, more compelling story.

Step 2: Understand the Subjectivity of Rejection
It’s crucial to remember that rejection is often highly subjective. What doesn’t resonate with one editor or reader may deeply connect with another. This is particularly true in creative fields like writing, where personal tastes and preferences play a significant role. Rejection doesn’t necessarily mean your work is bad; it may just mean it wasn’t the right fit for that particular person or market.

Instead of getting discouraged, seek out feedback from a diverse range of sources—different beta readers, critique partners, or even professional editors. This variety of perspectives can help you see the strengths and weaknesses of your work more clearly.

Example: When one of my novels was turned down by several book bloggers, I realized it wasn’t due to poor writing but rather a mismatch between my book’s genre and their usual reading preferences. I adjusted my marketing strategy and targeted blogs and readers who were more aligned with my genre, which led to much more positive feedback and engagement.

Step 3: Use Rejection to Fuel Your Motivation
Rejection can be demoralizing, but it can also be a powerful motivator. Many successful authors have faced rejection multiple times before achieving their big break. Instead of letting rejection defeat you, use it to fuel your determination to succeed. Set new goals, revise your manuscript, or even start a new project. Channeling your energy into creative work can help you move past the sting of rejection and keep you focused on your writing journey.

Consider keeping a “rejection log” to track the rejections you receive. This can help you view them more analytically, rather than emotionally. Over time, you might notice patterns that can guide you in revising your work or targeting your submissions more effectively.

Example: After receiving a string of rejections, I decided to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) to push myself to write a new manuscript from scratch. The result was a fresh story that reignited my passion for writing and eventually found success with readers.

Step 4: Remember That Rejection Is Not a Reflection of Your Worth
As an indie author, it’s easy to equate the success of your book with your personal worth. However, it’s important to separate yourself from your work. Just because a manuscript gets rejected doesn’t mean you’re not a talented writer. Rejection is part of the process—one that every writer, from debut authors to seasoned bestsellers, experiences.

Cultivate a mindset of resilience by recognizing that rejection is not a reflection of your abilities or potential. Stay confident in your unique voice and vision. Keep writing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself.

Example: I’ve kept a folder of my rejection letters to remind myself that even though my work wasn’t right for certain publishers or contests, it doesn’t define me as a writer. Many of those projects eventually found their audience, proving that persistence and self-belief are key.

Conclusion
Rejection is a natural and necessary part of the writing journey, especially for indie authors who navigate the publishing world on their own terms. By reframing rejection as feedback, understanding its subjectivity, using it as motivation, and remembering that it doesn’t define your worth, you can turn rejection into a valuable learning experience.

Every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.” Embrace rejection as a stepping stone on your path to success, and keep pushing forward with confidence and resilience. For more insights and support on your indie author journey, follow my blog and let’s continue to grow as writers together.