Okay, so there's no easy way to accept rejection. It hurts no matter how politely it's delivered, and even worse when it's not! So, put those thoughts of chucking your laptop out the nearest window to the back of your mind and give this a quick read.
We have ALL been there. You're sailing away on cloud 9 feeling pretty bloody awesome having finished your latest script/novel/play and you've done the hard part right? Clicking send or putting yourself out there and pitching! Well, yes and no.
Here are 3 ways you can use this as just a stepping stone on your way to becoming a successful writer:
1) ACKNOWLEDGE IT, AND THEN LET IT GO
Yes, it's totally shit. You've worked really hard on something and somebody else hasn't seen in the same light you do.
BUT REMEMBER, this is NOT personal.
I know it's very hard to disassociate yourself from your writing, I too may have felt a little 'hulk smash' in the past when it's not the response you're expecting, but when it comes to feedback - it really HAS to be this simple:
For a plethora of reasons your script may not just be the right fit for what they're wanting.
This does NOT mean that you're a bad writer or that you should consider giving up writing! No way!
It just means they are not the right platform/company/agent/manager etc to facilitate your work and that's okay. Because, hello - that's just ONE person's opinion on your work.
The great thing about writing is it's SUBJECTIVE!
So have your hulk smash moment if it's needed, get the crappy feelings out and then put it to bed because you have some work to do.
2) ANY FEEDBACK IS GOOD FEEDBACK
Controversial opinion I know, but just hear me out!
Okay so it's not the positive feedback you wanted - but it's something!
And you may not like everything they have to say, but they might have some valid points to consider. I'm not saying action them, just consider them...
Did they touch on something that you know deep down needs some working on?
Take on board what you want from it, ignore anything you feel strongly opposed to - BUT industry professionals will know what they're talking about.
They might not be 100% correct about your project, but they may be onto something!
And really, any GOOD feedback (positive and negative) is solely working towards making your work the best it can be AND making it marketable.
It's all well and good spending ages writing a biopic about your great aunt sister's dog - but if it hasn't got that marketable edge, you will be wasting your time. So write the biopic BUT do your research - what about your great aunt sister's dog will make the exec sit up and WANT your script!
3) IT ONLY TAKES ONE YES
Through any rejection you are facing/will face/have faced - remember it only takes one person to say yes.
But you already knew that, deep down!
We've covered our hulk smash moment, you've acknowledged and let go of the negative comments, so now what?
Well firstly, ignore anybody that tells you to put a time limit on your success - ie. if you haven't achieved THIS and THIS within the next year then quit.
Really? Nobody goes into any career expecting to be at the top immediately, so be realistic. Carry on writing, hold yourself accountable, get your work out there via competitions/feedback/pitching - anything that is PRODUCTIVE.
Do not wallow any longer, it does not serve you or your writing.
So, the pity party is officially OVER and it's time to get back to what you do best!
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