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Let's be real: freelance rejection stings. It’s been 20 years of responding to clients, pitching articles, following up and putting myself out there. While it still smarts, I anticipate and expect rejection these days.

In fact, I welcome it because it means I tried. Or that someone opened my email, someone interviewed me for a role, or we connected in some way. I’m not a fit? NBD.

Getting ghosted, though? That's a whole other beast. No response to your freelance article pitch can leave even the most confident freelancer spiraling a bit, wondering if the idea was terrible or if it’s just buried under a pile of unread emails.

That’s why I see every (okay, most) rejection through a positive light.

When an editor says, "we've already covered this," or “we’re working on something similar,” pop the champagne or crack open that can of expensive sparkling water. It means your idea was on-brand and compelling enough to actually get read. I interpret it as “you’re on track.” Send another one soon while you’re still fresh on their minds.

A budget rejection is honestly a green flag in disguise. It means they liked you enough to respond and they probably would like to work with you if they had a healthier budget. Mark your calendar and follow up in a few months to see if anything’s changed.

(BTW, my “client intake questionnaire” can help you get a sense of their budget before a discovery call, so you don’t waste your time.)

"Not the right fit" is rejection-speak for "do your homework next time." A little research into a brand's content before you pitch (and their recent content that was published) goes a long way toward making sure your ideas land.

Just because someone sends this response doesn’t mean you can’t ever pitch again.

The freelancers who win are the ones who treat every "no" like a breadcrumb leading somewhere better. Rejection isn't the opposite of success in this business. It’s a sign you’re trying, and someone is opening your email or getting back to you.

(Since I’m from Philly and channeling my inner Rocky, I’ll leave you with this Sly Stallone quote.)

Ready to start pitching smarter and landing the clients you actually want?

My bestselling ebook can help.

What I’m reading: Main Street Millionaire by Codie Sanchez (nonfiction)

What I’m reading online: Your Career Isn’t a Side Hustle, It’s a Portfolio (Forbes)

What I published on LinkedIn: 3 Things Marketers Get Wrong about AI (according to an AI Educator)

What I published on Inc.com: AI Won’t Replace Marketers, but AI Savvy Employees Will

What I’m watching: Nashville on Netflix and RHOBH

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Big Desk Energy: A newsletter from Beehiiv’s founder, Tyler Denk, which includes startup stories and relevant industry news

Kaitlyn Arford’s Freelance Opportunities: Kaitlyn does the hard work of sourcing WAY more jobs than I do and sends them out a few times a week. Hopefully you’ll find some gigs between her newsletter or mine.

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Here’s a roundup of creative, full-time, part-time, freelance, remote, and hybrid jobs in the editorial, copywriting, content writing, and creative fields. Good luck.

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