I got a heart-sinking rejection email from an editor this month. I had written a few posts for an entertainment website and was quite proud of my work - showcasing a different angle there. But my writing style had not performed well - traffic wise - and they don’t have the budget to keep me as a regular writer. I actually haven’t had a rejection from a pitch for a long time - and I’ve been feeling very fragile, so this was a hard email to read.
And then I got over myself. I thought about some truths. That rejection wasn’t so bad. This is what a rejection letter taught me:
I hadn’t felt confident writing articles for that publication anyway. Well, my writing was good, and my ideas were original, but I couldn’t conform to their Buzzfeed-like style. Pop culture isn’t really my thing anymore. I prefer to delve into bigger issues, write more words and make an impact by getting people thinking about diversity.
I dabbled, but didn’t make a splash there. And that’s ok. I don’t have to be good at every style of writing.
I spent a long time researching and writing for not very much return. I can put my time to other things like creating a super blogging course.
It might have been another byline, but it’s ok that I’m not a regular at that website. That opportunity can go to other writers. There’s enough Internet for everybody.
While I am time-poor, I should play on my strengths, research and write what I enjoy, and focus on my area of expertise. And it’s ok if my writing style doesn’t match the style of that website. I don’t have to push myself if I can’t.
I write for fun and a bit of extra pocket money. When it stops being fun, I can stop. I am lucky to have that privilege.
I’m having success at pitching myself to brands as well as pitching articles to editors. I hadn’t had the confidence to do this until recently - and I’ve had so much success partnering with brands for the Australian Ichthyosis Meet.
Just because my writing style doesn’t suit a website, it doesn’t mean I’m not a good writer.
Most of my pitches elsewhere are accepted and get a great response from readers. I’ve won some awards. And I've helped people see a different perspective. For that I can be proud.
What has a knock-back taught you?
I love your honesty Carly. Rejection, especially when you have so much passion is really hard, but i'm really liking your take on it and moving forward with your style. By the way, i love your style!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Cheryl. Writing teaches us so much resilience, doesn't it?
DeleteLove this Carly Findlay, I wish I could take rejection so well. I am getting better but it still stings. Like your attitude!
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteLove your perspective Carly. I think it's important to never lose YOUR writing voice. Lots of people can write but it's our voice and what we have to say that's unique - and it sounds like you're well aware of that. Thanks for reminding me xx
ReplyDeleteIt takes a long time to develop a writing voice, amd to develop confidence with it. Thanks for the reassurance.
DeleteOne of the things I like best about your writing is that you *don't* sound like Buzzfeed- you use big words and big thoughts, treat your readers like they have brains in their heads, and discuss disability issues in a very empowering way. You are absolutely right, there's enough internet for everybody, and readers who appreciate your intelligence and writing style will keep finding you.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I don't read Buzzfeed (unless it's a definitive savage garden list haha!) and so not sure if I can easily grasp their style. And there is enough internet for everyone!
Delete"There's enough internet for everybody" is SO true. Good on you. Write what you really love and it all works out.
ReplyDeleteIt sure does - even if it's just for us as writers to work things out.
DeleteFeedback from an editor is a huge privilege and you should really take it on board. What you're writing about is super important but your style is boring and doesn't demonstrate a love of language. Change it up or you'll be preaching to the choir your whole life.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anon, would love to see some of your writing to guide me :)
Deleteyou have seen it.
Deletecarly, you've used 'I' to start half of your sentences in this post. how can you honestly say you love writing after that? you're not respecting writing or your audience when you do that. it shits me to tears because the stuff you write about is important but you love the sound of your own opinion more than you love or respect the craft or your audience. the options are: keep writing here for the peanut gallery or get very, very honest with yourself.
BTW: it doesn't matter if i can write good or not because i can read good and writing is not good reading.
DeleteI never claimed this blog was a literay masterpiece. But I know that it does help people, and has afforded me many opportunities (expanding my audience outside of this peanut gallery). And while I'm making a positive difference, you're critticiising a personal blog for the excessive use of I. See ya!
DeleteI don't understand why people post negative comments that aren't helpful in any way, shape or form. I think Carly knows how to take feedback from an editor (in fact, I know she does), and while I'm no literary master either, I'm quite keen to see an example of your writing, 'anonymous', just to see how it stacks up.
DeleteYou are such a good writer that I am glad you have decided not to feel disheartened by the negative response from these people.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Cherie - fortunately the negative is very small in comparison to the positive. Hope you're well.
DeleteWhen my first husband left me, that knockback taught me I was unlovable. But it was the wrong lesson. Over time, I discovered that I was actually lovable. But even more importantly, I learned that remaining a victim is a choice, the meaning we make out of difficult situations is a choice and that the best revenge is living well. It's a different sort of a knock back to yours, but I think we have come to the same conclusions. :-) It's a big enough world for all of us, in all our diversity, to find the perfect place for self expression. You're a great writer Carly, and a really industrious one. Hold on to all those lovely things you know about yourself. :-)
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