Another rejection.

[generaljake]

Hi all, I've posted previously under a different name, so not new to this forum. I got (another) journal rejection today. I am feeling very dejected and full of shame. I know rejection is normal. I really do. But I am feeling so lonely and isolated. Ten years into my career and I don't publish very much. Everything seems to take a monumental effort. I write mainly alone, and I am literally alone nowadays, sitting at home. I am writing a book (also sole authored) and am absolutely terrified about what reviewers will say about that, to the extent that I can't quite get it finished (it is very close but I just can't seem to get it over the line). Grrr. Part of me wants to give up but I have invested so much into this career and made sacrifices so giving up would feel like a major failure in itself. And yet I find it so painful. Anyone else feel like this sometimes? Apologies for this self-pity party but when does one call it a day? For some reason, I am finding it especially difficult that one reviewer suggested I should consult my own work for ideas on how to do it better!

Fuck 'em. Honestly, reviews are just a few people's opinions. You don't have to respect them.

See if you can pull any constructive comments out of what they said to inform revisions, rework accordingly, dust yourself off & find somewhere else to submit to.

I guess you call it a day when you can see something you'd enjoy doing more than the job you have now. What is that alternative for you?

Thank you MedSchoolRat. I have no idea what that alternative is. I guess that's the problem. I love this job I just wish I could be a bit better at it! Will stop before the self-pity party gets going again.

Yes I feel like this. Doing it on your own is so much harder too! I know people who write barely anything on their own and have established little writing partnerships whereas I struggle to do this. But in a way I think it’s more impressive if you can sole author (in disciplines where this is the norm - I know it’s not like that in sciences!). So pat yourself on the back for being able to do that. And don’t let the reviews get you down. As MedSchoolRat said, it’s just their opinion. Submit to a different journal. Also try not to worry about the reviewers for your book - your publisher wants to get it out so I doubt they will be anything like what some journal reviewers send back.