Valuable Insights Gained from My Experience with Rejection
Written on
Chapter 1: Introduction to Rejection
Rejection can be disheartening, but it often brings valuable lessons. Four months ago, I had my first article go viral, but not without facing four rejections from various publications. This experience was not unique, as I have encountered rejection multiple times. I want to share the insights gained from these experiences.
Here’s the article that sparked this journey.
While my focus is on a programming article, I will also reference other rejected pieces on productivity, self-improvement, and language learning to illustrate the lessons I’ve learned.
Section 1.1: Lesson 1 - Targeting Publications
Initially, I would tailor my articles to fit the style of specific publications, which limited my creativity. This approach made me second-guess my writing, constantly wondering if my work would meet their standards.
For instance, when I wrote "6 Months Without an iPhone — This Is How My Life Changed," I aimed to align my narrative with Mind Cafe's style. Unfortunately, my article faced rejection twice. I later tried to mold it to fit The Ascent, but again, it was rejected.
I also made the mistake of strictly adhering to Medium’s curation guidelines, such as avoiding catchy titles. While some articles were curated, they garnered fewer views compared to those that were not curated. Consequently, I began crafting titles that balanced allure and authenticity.
I linked non-curated articles to curated ones to drive traffic, which proved beneficial.
How I Made Over $500 in My Second Month on Medium
This strategy works effectively if you have a clear understanding of your topics and at least one viral article in each category.
For instance, my $1000 article on "web scraping" attracts hundreds of daily views, and I linked all related non-curated articles, resulting in a significant traffic boost.
Section 1.2: Lesson 2 - The Power of Self-Publishing
Rejection doesn't always reflect the quality of your work. Editors may decline an article simply because it doesn't fit their vision. However, that doesn't mean your work lacks merit.
Many times, rejected articles have performed well after self-publication. Readers ultimately decide the value of your work. A non-curated article can still gain traction, especially if it relates to previously successful pieces.
After facing four rejections, I self-published "How to Make Money from Web Scraping Without Selling Data." Initially, I considered altering the article, but I ultimately trusted its quality.
Once published, you may still receive invitations from publications to resubmit your work. Although my article was initially turned down by The Startup, they later invited me to submit it again.
If you receive constructive feedback, revise accordingly. If not, self-publishing can be a viable option. I have several non-curated pieces that have earned over $100.
Section 1.3: Lesson 3 - The Benefits of Starting Your Own Publication
After being rejected by two smaller publications, I questioned why I should continue submitting to others when my self-published articles were thriving.
With positive results from my self-published works, I decided to create my own publication, which yielded even better outcomes. Since Medium's algorithm favors stories from followed writers and publications, establishing your own can enhance visibility.
However, it's essential to remember that maintaining a publication requires effort. It’s wise to focus on one or two specific niches. For example, I have a YouTube channel centered on foreign languages, so I launched the publication "Learn Languages with TV and Books" to support my channel and direct traffic between the two.
Chapter 2: Key Takeaways
Instead of writing solely for curation or acceptance, focus on creating content that resonates with your audience. If the algorithm doesn’t promote your work, connect it to your most popular pieces.
Rejections don’t necessarily indicate a flaw in your writing. If you receive feedback, improve your article and try again. If not, don’t hesitate to self-publish.
If you have multiple self-published stories covering similar topics, consider starting your own publication to build an audience and maximize your impact on Medium's algorithm.
In "What I Learned from 100 Days of Rejection," Jia Jiang shares his journey of overcoming fear and embracing rejection, offering valuable insights into resilience and creativity.
In this video, the speaker discusses over 1,000 near-death experiences and how they relate to biblical beliefs, providing a thought-provoking perspective on faith and the afterlife.