Hasta La Creative!

As a freelance writer, you’ve probably had your fair share of rejection. Rejection can come in many forms, from kind and constructive feedback to no response at all. No one is immune to the occasional disappointment that comes with rejection. However, there are ways to handle it without losing confidence.

Is Getting Rejection Common as a Freelancer?

There are 73.3 million freelancers in the U.S. in 2023. Almost every industry is competitive and the writing world is no exception. Plenty of people find this part intimidating, as every writer is vocal about the obstacles they experience, including rejection.

Every great journalist, screenwriter, author and content writer has had their fair share of dismissal. It’s even more challenging when you’re self-employed, as having a piece rejected can mean you miss out on payment or an important byline.

Dealing with Rejection in Freelance Writing

With the high frequency of rejections as a freelance writer, it’s a testament to how important it is to stay determined. Some people throw away the pen altogether after feeling discouraged, which usually marks the end of their journey. It’s essential to look at rejection as a way to get better with these seven tips.

1. Take a Deep Breath

Having that initial feeling of sadness when getting rejected is perfectly normal. When getting into freelance writing, you don’t have to turn robotic and bury every negative emotion. It’s understandable to feel some disappointment, as you did work hard on the project.

When you get that rejection letter, the first thing you just need to do is breathe. Read through the email or note, and try to remember the dismissal is not personal in any way, shape or form.

2. Ask for Constructive Feedback

Rejection notes are short and general, with clients saying they might have found someone else for the project or your piece didn’t meet their expectations. Since they’re quite vague, try to ask for some constructive feedback.

Request specifics when seeking feedback so you receive well-thought-out suggestions on the project and know what points you can work on in the future. Plus, it gives you some peace of mind if the final verdict was just a mismatch in tone for their brand.

3. Think About the Silver Lining

While improving your writing, there might be a tiny voice in your head berating you for your previous work. A writer is often their biggest critic, but it’s one thing to coach yourself to do better and another to call yourself an impostor.

Instead of planting self-doubt, practice leading a pura vida mindset or lifestyle. Don’t get caught up in worries or responsibilities. Think of the dismissal as an opportunity to improve in the long run because this is what it truly is. Many people find reciting positive affirmations to be helpful. You can choose a phrase that’s meaningful to you, like “pura vida,” which reminds you to focus on what really matters in life.

4. Revisit Your Written Work

After receiving feedback, head back to your piece. The evaluation can give you a new perspective on your output and you might realize there are some points you can rework to develop.

In addition to revisiting your documents, it’s also good to search online for similar content. Try to find and fill any gaps to make your writing publication ready. Maybe writers had a friendlier tone when discussing the same topic as you did.

5. Improve Your Writing Process

Look at which area of the writing process you can improve on. The past two steps of seeking feedback and looking at other pieces give you information on refining your writing, but it’s time to implement them.

Incorporate comments from others and yourself. You can also reexamine the writing process before submitting again to ensure everything flows and is accurate.

6. Request Resubmission

When you’re done reworking the submission, reread the piece to see the improvements you’ve gone through. Treat it as a mental pat on the back for taking the rejection like a champ and bringing the content to its final form.

Consider returning to the client and requesting a resubmission of the project if they weren’t seeking it already. If you have any more doubts, get a family member or close friend to review your work. Having someone in your corner to cheer you on can motivate you to click send.

7. Rewrite and Submit Elsewhere

If a client or publication won’t accept a resubmission, it’s not the end of the line. You can submit your written piece to another outlet if you’re able to under your contract.

Keep the document as a writing sample if there’s nowhere else for your written work to go. It can come in handy the next time you run into a prospective brand looking for independent writers with experience in that industry.

Accept, Remember and Continue

Freelance writers who can handle rejection can find much success in the industry. It’s a skill that takes time to develop, but its impact on your career is unmatched. Use the tips above and keep writing!

The media industry doesn’t just report the news or produce entertainment; it shapes our understanding of who we are as a society. Yet, we’ve overlooked a crucial segment of our population — Disabled people — both on screen and off. This isn’t just a diversity and inclusion checkbox; it’s about unlocking a treasure trove of perspectives that enrich our collective story and make media products resonate on a deeper level.

“The Disabled community has been systematically excluded from mainstream media for far too long. Our narratives have been erased, our stories are told for us and not by us, and our lived experiences are mocked. It’s time to reshape the story and tap into the vast, diverse, and fresh perspectives of the largest yet most overlooked minority,” says Keely Cat-Wells, a disability rights advocate and Founder of Making Space, a talent acquisition and learning experience platform for companies to access prequalified Disabled talent.

A New Lens on Storytelling

Think about the stories that have truly impacted you. Chances are, they offered a fresh lens on a familiar tale. Now, imagine what stories might emerge if we tapped into the life experiences of Disabled creatives — writers, directors, producers. Their perspectives can offer unparalleled depth to storytelling. Let’s face it: more than 16% of our global family has some form of disability. Their stories are our stories, and it’s high time the media began telling them.

In a world saturated with content, breaking through the noise requires more than just slick production — it demands new voices. We have seen the tremendous success of Disabled creators on social media and brands flocking to work with new talent that has unlocked an untapped market. For example, Nielsen estimated that posts from creators with disabilities scored 21.4 percent better in average media value than posts from creators without disabilities and drove 20.5 percent more interactions. Nielsen highlighted Tommy Hilfiger’s #TommyAdaptive campaign, which featured Disabled influencers and outperformed the industry’s average positive engagement. Unlike Hollywood, social media has reduced barriers to entry and has created a democratizing effect on employment for Disabled talent.

Keely Cat-Wells remarks: “For many Disabled people, traditional employment opportunities can be limited due to physical, communication, attitudinal and social barriers. The creator economy has started to break down these barriers. And although we have seen a breakthrough number of Disabled people changing the narrative, obstacles remain. Issues like ableist algorithms, combined with challenges of accessing healthcare, benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and more, create significant barriers for Disabled people making a career in the creator economy.”

Economic Sense

Here’s the reality: Including Disabled talent isn’t just an ethical imperative; it’s smart business. We’re talking about a demographic with a disposable income of $490 billion. This is a significant group that does not feel adequately represented — for example, 46% of people with disabilities think their identity group is underrepresented on TV. So, if your company’s bottom line keeps you awake at night, consider this an untapped goldmine.

The benefits extend far beyond immediate financial gains. When consumers see themselves authentically represented, loyalty follows. And in today’s marketplace, brand loyalty is perhaps rarer than diamonds. Whether it’s a tweet praising your efforts or recommending your platform to friends, this audience segment can become some of your strongest advocates, enriching your brand’s reputation and extending your reach organically.

“When brands work with Disabled creators, the response from their audience is hugely supportive, both for the creator and the brand itself – especially when the campaign has nothing to do with disability,” says Elle Potruch, a Talent Manager for Deaf and Disabled talent at Whalar, a creator commerce company which acquired C Talent in 2022. Potruch represents a roster of creators, actors, and other creatives within the entertainment industry, including Emmy-nominated Keivonn Woodard, whose role (and subsequent nomination) in HBO’s The Last of Us made historic strides in authentic Deaf representation on screen. 

“Gen-Z values diversity and inclusion at every level, from representation in media to senior leadership, so if corporations want to keep up with their consumers and ensure consumer loyalty, disability inclusion is a must.”

Building Authentic Connections

How often have you rolled your eyes at an ad or cringed at an uninformed TV storyline? Authenticity matters, and it’s easy to spot when it’s missing. When media platforms cast Disabled actors in roles that don’t pigeonhole them or when advertising campaigns feature Disabled people without tokenizing them, they make a lasting impression on all consumers.

Creating Inclusive Work Environments

Forget the term “corporate culture”: We’re talking about creating a community within your workspace. A workplace that’s not just diverse but also inclusive amplifies its creative output, enriches its collective intelligence, and sets an example for other industries.

Moreover, an inclusive environment benefits everyone, not just those individuals with disabilities. When employees see that their colleagues are valued for their unique perspectives and skills, it’s a morale boost across the board. That kind of spirit makes people love coming to work every day, fueling passion and productivity that can give your organization a competitive edge.

Tangible Steps for Media Companies

• Invest in Accessibility: No excuses. Make your workspace and your digital platforms accessible to everyone, beyond just basic compliance.
• Educational Programs: This isn’t just HR fluff. Training can dismantle biases and foster empathy, creating a healthier, more dynamic workplace.
• Targeted Recruitment: Collaborate with specialized agencies, platforms, or groups. Actively seek out Disabled talent with platforms like Making Space. A great example is the work they are doing with NBC Universal for the Olympics and Paralympics to increase employment opportunities for Disabled talent.
• Career Progression: No dead-ends. Make sure there’s a path upward for everyone.

Conclusion

If you think this is merely about filling quotas or ticking off a corporate social responsibility checkbox, you’re missing the point. This is about enriching our collective narrative, tapping into overlooked potential customers, and bolstering the media industry’s credibility and depth. In short, it’s not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do — for everyone.

It’s clear that embracing Disabled talent isn’t just an ethical choice; it’s a strategic imperative for any media company that wants to resonate with today’s diverse audiences. The ball is in your court. Whether you’re a media executive, a creative, or a consumer, you can effect real change.

For companies: Audit your current practices. Ask hard questions. Are you as inclusive as you think you are? Reach out to specialized recruitment platforms, invest in accessibility, and dismantle systemic barriers in your organization.

For Disabled Creatives: Your voice matters. Your perspective is invaluable. Seek out platforms and communities where you can shine, and never underestimate your power to disrupt the status quo.

For consumers: Vote with your views, clicks, and dollars. Support media that represents the world in its full scope and challenge those that fall short.

Now is the time for action. Don’t just be a spectator to change; be a catalyst. The stories we tell and the media we consume have the power to shape society. Let’s ensure we tell the whole story, not just a one-sided narrative.

World Press Photo announced the winners of its 2013 contest while its judges lamented the proliferation of digital alterations, which disqualified several top contenders.