Facing rejection can be heavy. Without a doubt, rejection is one of the reasons writers put down their pens.
This is serious because some very talented writers are one step away from achieving their dreams.
Let’s discuss some tips to help.
JUST THEIR OPINION - ONE
Before you let an opinion pause your writing career, you must remember what they are.
Just opinions!
Not only that, but it has been proven that most feedback is based off a person's mood. How many times have you watched a movie, judged it harshly but saw it again with new eyes? Only to discover that you like it.
At the end of the day, don't take opinions too harshly.
REVISIT YOUR GUT - TWO
Every time I received criticism for my book that is detailed in some cases, I agreed.
I realize, maybe I wanted to cut corners or reach a deadline and released a title too early.
Whenever you receive criticism for your story, ask yourself is this is your best work?
Were they any red flags that should've caused you to pause?
And did you ignore them for the sake of writing the end?
EVALUATE FEEDBACK & TAKE WHAT WORKS – THREE
Don't get me wrong, there are some wicked reviewers in the world.
You'd be surprised at how many people review books harshly simply because you actually wrote one and they couldn't. At the same time there are many amazing reviewers. So not all should be handled the same.
In my opinion, some opinions or reviews appear to hold a little more weight. They provide context to their reasoning and offer solutions. You’ll know these because they delve into characterization, plot point issues or maybe grammatical problems.
But without taking any of it too seriously, if you read or receive feedback, take what works and leave the rest.
You may be better for it later.
GET A SECOND OPINION – FOUR
As we've discussed already reviews are just opinions.
So, what's wrong with getting another one? One reviewer isn't the end all to the be all. But more than one reviewer can give you a better gauge of your novel.
WALK AWAY FOR A LITTLE WHILE – FIVE
Sometimes you have to walk away from your story to get a better perspective.
I always recommend before a book is sent to a publisher or printed, that a writer give their novel a break. Mainly because studying or writing too long brings a tenseness to the work that goes directly against the grain of creation.
Walk away.
And return with fresh eyes.
See what happens later.
SOLICIT BETA READERS – SIX
Be careful with beta readers. Some are amazing.
As a matter of fact if you have a group of beta readers that you respect, stick with them and only use readers who enjoy your story lines and concepts.
In other words, you shouldn't have a beta reader review your horror book if they prefer a Christian story lines. Unless they like both!
But if you've tried all you can and you believe in your story, but want to find the holes, beta readers may be what you need.
IN CONCLUSION…
Most rejection issues fall back to two categories…not understanding the story you're telling, which means plot issues. Or errors.
In most cases a story can be saved simply with a few rewrites.
Never bail on your story too early.
You may be almost at the finishing line.