The view from the other side of the desk...
Several years back, I put out my own ezine. During the little over a year I published it, I learned a great deal. Things that help me as a writer...and things I'm applying now as an Contributing Editor for WOW! Let me share a few with you.
Editors want to see you, the writer, succeed. We love to get a submission that is wonderfully written. We want to be able to publish it. Actually, when you get right down to it...we NEED your great writing. We can't do with out it.
No one likes rejection letters...either sending them or receiving them. They are just a part of the writing business process. One time I heard them described as Negative Marketing Statements. I kinda like that term. It takes a little of the personal feel out of them. My mentor says it's like going to the market with apples. You have great apples. But for some reason that day, oranges are the rage. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your apples, just they aren't what the buyer wants. That makes sense too.
I also learned there is a lot I can do as a writer to increase my chance of connecting with an editor and avoiding those rejection letters.
First...write well! Miss Snark says good writing trumps all and she is so right. If the writing is excellent, many editors will ask for minor changes to bring the article in line with the tone/voice of the publication.
Next, study the publication. Know as much about it as possible. Know the readers, the voice, and previous topics covered. The more you know, the better you can target your piece to the publication. The better targeted your piece is, the less chance of a rejection letter.
Most importantly...never give up. What might not work at one place will be loved at another. Even writers with many, many publishing credits get rejection letters. Never give up...just send your piece somewhere else. Again, my mentor says to have a list of at least five places my story/article will fit. If one rejects it, send it out to another on the list the very same day. Sure, I sulk but it goes back out:--)
Remember, you are a writer. Editors need you!
Now, get that rejected piece you've been hiding, give it a good going over and send it back out:-)
Jean
Editors want to see you, the writer, succeed. We love to get a submission that is wonderfully written. We want to be able to publish it. Actually, when you get right down to it...we NEED your great writing. We can't do with out it.
No one likes rejection letters...either sending them or receiving them. They are just a part of the writing business process. One time I heard them described as Negative Marketing Statements. I kinda like that term. It takes a little of the personal feel out of them. My mentor says it's like going to the market with apples. You have great apples. But for some reason that day, oranges are the rage. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your apples, just they aren't what the buyer wants. That makes sense too.
I also learned there is a lot I can do as a writer to increase my chance of connecting with an editor and avoiding those rejection letters.
First...write well! Miss Snark says good writing trumps all and she is so right. If the writing is excellent, many editors will ask for minor changes to bring the article in line with the tone/voice of the publication.
Next, study the publication. Know as much about it as possible. Know the readers, the voice, and previous topics covered. The more you know, the better you can target your piece to the publication. The better targeted your piece is, the less chance of a rejection letter.
Most importantly...never give up. What might not work at one place will be loved at another. Even writers with many, many publishing credits get rejection letters. Never give up...just send your piece somewhere else. Again, my mentor says to have a list of at least five places my story/article will fit. If one rejects it, send it out to another on the list the very same day. Sure, I sulk but it goes back out:--)
Remember, you are a writer. Editors need you!
Now, get that rejected piece you've been hiding, give it a good going over and send it back out:-)
Jean
2 Comments:
Great advice and a sound reminder to never give up and never say never! ;-)
Jean, I love this advice, especially the analogy of apples and oranges... so true. :-)
I think handling rejections is the toughest part of the job because we've all been on the other side of the fence.
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