You say you got a rejection from an editor, agent, or some other unenlightened knuckle-dragger? Congratulations!

No, seriously. I mean it. Congratulations. Because, though rejection feels crummy, being rejected means something. Something good. “What?” you might ask. Let me list the ways.

Rejection means you wrote something. Good for you!

Rejection means you demonstrated faith in yourself and your writing. Yowza!

Rejection means you put something out there, rather than hiding it under a bushel. Well done, you!

Rejection means you’re behaving like an actual writer. What a marvel you are!

Rejection means you conquered—at least for a moment—the fear of rejection. Congratulations!

Rejection means you received feedback of some kind. Maybe about the quality of your writing or your piece, sure, but perhaps more so about the timing of your submission. Or the state of the marketplace. Or the agent, editor, or house to which you submitted. You are rocking it!

Rejection means you have more information than before, perhaps to help you revise or restrategize, which may lead to an acceptance! Give yourself a hand!

Rejection means you haven’t given up. Way to go!

Rejection means you’ve shown God (and perhaps your family or writers group) how serious you are about this writing thing. Outstanding!

Rejection means you belong! You’re part of the club. You’re one of us (because we’ve all been rejected). Nicely done!

Rejection means you’re being trained in righteousness. In patience. In reflection. Faith. Perseverance. And more. How do you do it?

And, finally (though readers of this blog will surely offer more):

Rejection means you survived being rejected. Look at you go!