Take That To The Bank! - Five ways to market a no-sell

Here’s something I want you to understand. In the freelance writing business “no” is synonymous with revamp. What was rejected 24 hours ago could be a cover story next week. An editor’s decision to offer you an assignment might purely depend on timing, whether or not your query painted a clear picture, or whether you selected the best market for your story in the first place. Keep this in mind the next time you receive a rejection and it won’t high-jack your writing revenue. Be ready with a solid revamp to sell elsewhere. Here are five ways to get started.

Use rejections to present a better alternative. If your initial query was rejected, send another one within forty-eight hours and make sure it’s better than the first! Start with a thank you and then jump right in with a magnetic lead. Try an anecdote that involves a confession or some amusing insight. What you’re aiming for is a human connection so give your query emotion. Reveal that you not only know your editor’s audience, but that you know how to talk to them as well.

Use rejections to clarify your intent. It’s your responsibility to anticipate an editor’s needs. Ask yourself if your idea was clearly stated and what you could have included to make it more persuasive. Quotes, statistics, survey results, stating your qualifications/expertise all let an editor know you’ve got the details covered. If your query came up short on clarity, go back and fill in the gaps.

Use rejections to explore other markets. If you are passionate and confident that a particular topic has merit, then by all means make it your goal to find a market. Let’s say you have a personal essay and the men’s health magazine you queried is not interested, fine. Then see if it will fit a spirituality market. And if there was something about your story that impacted your adolescence, then it’s probably well-suited for a family magazine. Here’s one more: A trade publication. If your essay explains how teachers might provide special care in a school atmosphere, then it could be right on for a teacher’s trade magazine.

Use rejections to improve a skill. Loose translation—take responsibility for your learning curve. If you’ve asked for personal feedback and receive it, take time to evaluate that input. If you find the suggestions meaningful, use them to make improvements. Then go back to the editor with a submission that incorporates her suggestions. Your ability to take constructive criticism and apply it productively will demonstrate your flexibility and how easy you are to work with.

Use rejections to get referrals. If a particular submission or project proposal is declined, use the rejection connection as a way to obtain a referral. Simply ask the editor who he knows that might benefit from your expertise. Once you get contact information, follow up with the referral immediately and name drop to help you establish a faster rapport.

See how easily you can get paid to write for corporations, government agencies, trade and consumer magazines—even your local radio or TV station. Sonya Carmichael Jones helps writers build marketing muscle through Get Published. Get Paid! Marketing B00TCamp for Freelance Writers. You’ll be motivated. You’ll be coached. And you’ll be excited by your new marketing confidence. Sign up at Writer’s Weekly, the highest-circulation ezine in the world.