Why You Need a Plan B

by Rochelle Melander

“I don’t want anyone who doesn’t want me.” –Oprah Winfrey

“In general, things either work out or they don’t, and if they don’t, you figure out something else, a plan B. There’s nothing wrong with plan B.” ― Dick Van Dyke

Every writer will get rejected repeatedly. If you’re not getting rejected, it’s because you’re not submitting.

It’s easy to make rejection about you, thinking that you’re just not good enough. Don’t do that.

It can be tempting to make the rejection bigger than it is, believing that your work will never get accepted. Stop that!

Remember that the rejection is about this piece, this agent, or this publication. It’s not about you.

When I was dating, I learned that I couldn’t make someone like me. It didn’t matter if I thought we’d be a perfect match. If the feeling wasn’t mutual, it wasn’t happening.

That’s a good metaphor for writing and rejection. If the feeling isn’t mutual, it’s not going to happen, no matter how much you want it to work out. So, you can believe your piece is perfect for this agent or this publication, but if they don’t see it—it doesn’t matter.

Remember, writers: rejection is not the end of the story. It’s a plot twist. Keep writing. Revise what does not work. Submit your work to another agent or editor. Resilience is built on persistence. And the writers who keep trying win the game.

Write Now! Coach Rochelle Melander is an author and ADHD-trained professional certified coach. She’s helped hundreds of people write and publish books. If you’re struggling to start or finish a project, connect with Rochelle to create a personalized plan for overcoming procrastination, dealing with distraction, and staying focused. Book a private consultation: https://writenowcoach.com/consultation/