Writing is an up-and-down activity. One week, we may write what we think is some of our best work, but the editors aren't interested. Then the next week, everyone chooses to publish our submissions on the same day.
It's a numbers game. The more submissions you have, the more likely that the right project will cross the right editor's desk.
But how do you keep writing and submitting when everyone is coming back with a "No"? How do you stay positive and productive?
Here are my four favorite strategies.
Have a plan
The main thing that keeps me on track, writing and submitting, is having a plan. I know how many articles I want to have self-published, published by major publications, and curated each week. (2, 3, and 2, respectively.)
I track those numbers. I know that to get 3 articles published, I need to submit 3–5 articles. Sometimes those articles can be repurposed for my own publication if they get rejected. Sometimes they can't, because the subject matter doesn't match.
So when, last week, I did not have any articles published in major publications by the weekend, I knew I was in trouble. I'd self-published 2 during the week. But I buckled down for some serious writing over the weekend. On Sunday, I wrote 4 new articles, and resubmitted 1 that had been rejected.
Takeaway: Know how many articles you need to write to meet your publication goals.
Recognize articles may not be right for a publication
Writers put our heart and soul into our work. So, when it gets rejected, all too often, we leap to the conclusion that it's because we're horrible writers and our work sucks.
Editors know this, and many will try to soften the blow. The editor at Curious and Start It Up has patiently explained why the target audience for my rejected stories was too specific. She's published my last three, so I think I may finally be getting her point.
Other editors will specifically say that an article is good or well-written. They're rejecting it because it's not right for them, but please submit something else. Still others will say that if you fix one little thing, they'll be able to accept it. (Technically, that's not a rejection, it's a revision request.)
If you haven't gotten into that publication yet, do more research before you try again. See if a slight change to your tone, length, or format will better match other articles they publish.
As for the rejected article, don't assume it's awful. Find another publication and resubmit it. (Be sure to delete any comments left by the first publication's editor before you send it to a second.) I make a note in my submission log of which publication is my backup publication, so I can send it out immediately.
If you get four rejections in a row, have some writer friends take a look at it. There may be something you're just not seeing that they can point out.
Takeaway: Read an editor's comments, delete them, then resubmit the article to another publication.
Become a regular contributor
One of the best ways to avoid a writing slump is to be a regular contributor to a publication. I have a daily "After Dinner Thoughts" column on The Daily Cuppa. I send seven articles to the editor on Saturday, and know by the end of the day if anything needs fixing. Then they're published every day at the same time for the next week.
If you're a regular contributor somewhere, you don't have to worry that the Medium algorithm will punish you for getting rejected. Something else of yours is still being published.
To become a regular contributor, you need to send a lot of articles to a publication. And the publication's readership needs to like those articles. The editor may then reach out to you and ask if you'd like a regular column.
Another variation on the regular contributor is to submit articles in response to writing prompts. I do this monthly with Meld of Minds, and weekly with The Brain is a Noodle. You may not know when the publication will accept your response post, but you can be pretty sure they will eventually publish it.
Takeaway: Try to establish yourself as a regular contributor for your favorite publication. In the meantime, answer writing prompts for publications.
Admit when you've taken on too much
This is probably the most important tip for staying positive and productive. Sometimes, in an effort to chase our goals, we commit to too many things. Other times, we can't decide between interesting options, and try to do them all.
That can lead to burnout and depression. It can also lead to anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy.
Writers are delicate creatures. Good writing requires honesty and vulnerability, which can only come from a place of strength. If something shakes our confidence, our writing suffers.
So, if you realize you've taken on too much, admit it. Admit that you're not going to reach whatever goal you set for yourself. Then figure out where you went wrong, and set a new, more attainable goal. If you're trying to keep all your options open, start closing some down.
I did this last Sunday. I admitted that I'd gotten distracted by too many other things, and it was impacting my ability to write articles. The freedom and liberation that followed that admission was amazing. I was filled with energy, and 4 new articles flowed out of me. I wrote 3 more today.
Takeaway: If your commitments are impacting your ability to write, pare down your commitments.
Conclusion
You can't control if or when articles will be published. These four tips will help you keep calm and keep writing when you hit a dry spell.
- Have a plan
- Recognize articles may be good, but not right for a publication
- Become a regular contributor
- Admit when you've taken on too much
If you do these four things, you'll be in a great position to offset your dry spell by making it rain. After my week filled with rejections, I had 6 stories published the next Monday. This can happen to you, too!
Ready to have a better tomorrow?
I've created a guide to help you increase your confidence and improve your life. If you follow these tips, you will level up your life very quickly!