Querying editors and agents is one of the most exciting parts of the publishing journey, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Here are a few tips to help make it a more positive experience. Accept that rejection will happen. Everyone gets rejected. Everyone. Think of it as a badge of honor, a rite of passage, and your keys to the club. Welcome! Embrace criticism. If you receive feedback from an editor, agent, or trusted friend, be sure to listen. It's easy to be defensive, but it doesn’t make you a better writer. Vent privately. If you need to shake off a difficult rejection, do not take to social media. Even unpublished writers are building a reputation. Keep yours shiny! Don’t be afraid to start small. A big deal with a massive publisher might make for a sexy Facebook post, but smaller opportunities also hold value. Stepping stones are still progress. Keep writing. Writing is not a get-rich-quick scheme, so I hope you started on this path because you love to write! When I feel lost or discouraged, I always focus on the work. It’s the one thing a writer controls. Good luck!
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