Travel Writer's Guide to Surviving Rejection
How to Keep a Positive Attitude During Rejections
Aug 27, 2009
Every writer has wins or misses. It is important to write as much as possible and apply for as many applicable positions as possible. Do not be afraid of being rejected, because rejection is inevitable and handling rejection is just one aspect of becoming a travel writer. Here are some suggestions for positively handling the hits and misses as a travel writer.
Constantly Look for Freelance Travel Writing Assignments
Look for work even when it appears that there is enough writing to keep busy. Markets constantly go out of business or slim the pool of freelancers. Be prepared by having a readily available pool of gigs to choose from or have a lot of irons in the fire. The more work a writer has, the less biting the sting of rejection. Network with editors, publishers and other writers in social networking groups or on Internet bulletin boards. Of course, it's always a good idea to collect contact information from other travel writers that are met on press trips.
Practice Travel Writing
Write daily, several times a day, if possible. Practicing the craft of writing will greatly improve a writer's technique, word choices, and writing fluency. The confidence associated with being a good writer or a writer who is constantly improving, will also help to eliminate bitterness when a prime gig passes a writer by.
Stay Positive
Understand that writing may be a numbers game. Sometimes editors need and want a writer's work, sometimes they choose another writer for the assignment. When one assignment is lost, another writing assignment or an awesome trip is just around the corner. Stay positive. Keep writing, and never give up on the dream. Here are some suggestions for helping to stay positive.
- Write inspiring messages and hang them around the house.
- Use positive self-talk. Ignore that critical voice and remember the wins, the successes, and the goals.
- Spend time with other positive writers.
- Use a to-do list and a reward system for achieving goals.
- Don't Give Up
Don't give up on markets that are difficult to crack. Study the publication. Learn what is usually published in the print or web publication, and think ahead. The trick to getting published is to offer the editor an article idea that has not been covered in the same manner as your proposal. Writers must also pitch articles that are likely to appear in the publication. It doesn't hurt to try to develop positive working relationships with the editors and continue to pitch ideas.
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