Beginning writers Quote by Joseph Hansen
““It seems important to me that beginning writers ponder this—that since 1964, I have never had a book, story or poem rejected that was not later published. If you know what you are doing, eventually you will run into an editor who knows what he/she is doing. It may take years, but never give up. Writing is a lonely business not just because you have to sit alone in a room with your machinery for hours and hours every day, month after month, year after year, but because after all the blood, sweat, toil and tears you still have to find somebody who respects what you have written enough to leave it alone and print it. And, believe me, this remains true, whether the book is your first novel or your thirty-first.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writer's Advice, 2020
Persistence and confidence eventually lead to publication; editors who understand your craft will recognize it.
In simple terms: Keep writing, trust your skill, and find the right editor.
Key Takeaway
Never quit, seek supportive editors.
Themes
writing
perseverance
confidence
editing
loneliness
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
inspirational
practical
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- short story submissions
- poetry publishing
- self‑editing
- agent outreach
Key Concepts
creative process
editorial gatekeeping
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- What strategies help you maintain motivation during rejections?
- How do you identify editors who align with your voice?
A Different Perspective
Even with talent, market trends and timing can still cause rejection.
