REJECTION IS NOT THE MEASURE OF YOUR WRITING

"I now know the rejection does not mean that I am without talent, that I cannot write, that I have nothing worth saying on the subject.  It only means that this particular editor didn't think this particular draft worked at this particular time for this particular publisher."

– Donald M. Campbell, Write to Deadline

This is what Murray wrote after being rejected by a number of editors.  This statement could apply as well to submitting your work to literary agents.   More than anything, what Murray's words stimulate for me as a writer is to make sure that I keep writing.   In fact, being a writer has nothing to do with getting published.   I believe it was Kafka who did not see his work published during his lifetime.   I'm not suggesting that you avoid publication whether through an agent, publisher, or even self-publishing.  What I am suggesting is that BELIEVING you are a writer will keep you writing.

And, if all you write on any particular day are your "morning pages" (see prior posts about Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way), still you will be writing.

Don't confuse the process of writing with the act of being published.  Surely, everyone wants to be acknowledged for their writing work.  Maybe it's even a basic human need, as important as food, water, air, sleep, and love.   At least for the writer, or wannabe writer.

But, if you're not getting published immediately or soon, it's important to find other ways to receive acknowledgment.  Supportive friends and family can keep you going by reading your work, as can a supportive (and I do mean supportive) writing group.

Keep in mind what Murray has said about rejection so you can keep on writing no matter what.