When reviewing submissions for our magazine, although we don't do it absolutely blind, we almost entirely ignore the identity / background of the submitter. Interestingly, in our first 5 issues, we've ended up with a surprisingly diverse group of writers every single time.
One particular delight was in our first issue, when we realized that our oldest contributor (who went over our 10,000 word limit but it was so good we wanted it anyway) was in his 80s, and our youngest (an artist) was 14, and that we had, all unknowing, paired the elder's writing with the youngster's artwork.
Great post. Thank you! Re the ageism: we live in a culture that considers it sad to die BEFORE we're old, but once we ARE old, it's as if we don't exist and we are supposed to act that way as writers. As if we are a disgrace and so is our work. Unless we're famous, of course. We get to be old if we're famous.
Well said, made me laugh/cry in several places. And yes, as a writer who turned 70 yesterday, I am sure many of my rejections come because what I write about: relationships, nature, the uniqueness of small actions/objects, everyday life, seems to have little relevance to today's editors. I'm sure others before me here have made similar comments.
"...the uniqueness of small actions, everyday life..." I find it scary that these don't seem to be relevant to many of today's editors. Small actions and everyday life are what make up our days. What we choose to do moment-to-moment makes a difference in the quality of our lives, not just for us but for our impact on others' lives. And happy birthday, by the way! My son turned 50 yesterday.
It was a well-crafted and hilarious phrase. I enjoyed it. Also, I’ve heard similar comments about writers and writing from MFA programs since I got more involved in this world. Actually helped to keep me on the educational path i started on.
Brava! Your perspective came just at the right time for this 76 year old writer who wonders, “What’s the point of sending my best stuff to people who don’t read it, can’t relate and want to sell me services I don’t need and haven’t asked for.” I know, delete and move on, but this time, maybe not. There is nothing to lose at this point and if no one ever publishes me again, I can die in my own voice! Thanks for making my day.
Thank you for this refreshingly candid piece on the often flabbergasting nature of the submission process. On ageism, this overlooked "ism" is alive and well in MFA programs and publishing in general. It's nice to read this sentiment from another writer.
You wrote my brain. My favorite "most hated" that I LONG to respond to is the endless turnaround time: "If you don't hear from us assume it's a pass." No end date. And ageism? Yes, dammit. And at a time when the work, for many of us, is better than ever.
Although I do think of my work as "better than ever" despite the stream of rejections, I also realize that the picture is clouded by subjectivity and a certain degree of randomness in the process. On my better days, I ignore the market signals and keep on writing.
Absolutely. I take some pleasure in publication, sure - but that's transient. For me the meaning and the deepest joy is in the creation. And I am loving what I am capable of - and that includes self-editing and serious critique and revision.
I so loved this, thank you! Hits the spot for us all, I'm sure (and very wittily described, hah!).
And this: "it began to occur to me that most publishers and editors (and I say this remembering that I also ran my lit mag for 10 years and know first-hand what an asshole I could be) need to hear from someone who is submitting but not submitting. As it were." YES.
AND THIS!! Omg it's so me. I'm not alone. :D "Plus I’ve had exactly one and a half semesters of college way back in the 1970s because I had to quit school and go work or starve. Other than that everything’s JUST FUCKING FINE."
Plus I adore the Bukowski reference. Thank you! <3
You've nailed it. I feel like I'm going round with a begging bowl when I submit.
When reviewing submissions for our magazine, although we don't do it absolutely blind, we almost entirely ignore the identity / background of the submitter. Interestingly, in our first 5 issues, we've ended up with a surprisingly diverse group of writers every single time.
One particular delight was in our first issue, when we realized that our oldest contributor (who went over our 10,000 word limit but it was so good we wanted it anyway) was in his 80s, and our youngest (an artist) was 14, and that we had, all unknowing, paired the elder's writing with the youngster's artwork.
Great post. Thank you! Re the ageism: we live in a culture that considers it sad to die BEFORE we're old, but once we ARE old, it's as if we don't exist and we are supposed to act that way as writers. As if we are a disgrace and so is our work. Unless we're famous, of course. We get to be old if we're famous.
Gonna start using the phrase “let the badger loose,” for sure! Wonderful. Captures the absurdity of being a writer on the prowl perfectly.
Well said, made me laugh/cry in several places. And yes, as a writer who turned 70 yesterday, I am sure many of my rejections come because what I write about: relationships, nature, the uniqueness of small actions/objects, everyday life, seems to have little relevance to today's editors. I'm sure others before me here have made similar comments.
"...the uniqueness of small actions, everyday life..." I find it scary that these don't seem to be relevant to many of today's editors. Small actions and everyday life are what make up our days. What we choose to do moment-to-moment makes a difference in the quality of our lives, not just for us but for our impact on others' lives. And happy birthday, by the way! My son turned 50 yesterday.
Agreed, and thanks so much for commenting Margorie.
Yep. Ageism is just OK with many editors who say they want to hear those “marginalized voices.”
Terrific crisp writing! You’ve sold me and I’ll continue reading your words — gratitude!
MFA- infected intern lol
It's just I've known too many young writers with talent who were critically wounded by their education.
It was a well-crafted and hilarious phrase. I enjoyed it. Also, I’ve heard similar comments about writers and writing from MFA programs since I got more involved in this world. Actually helped to keep me on the educational path i started on.
Love it.
Brava! Your perspective came just at the right time for this 76 year old writer who wonders, “What’s the point of sending my best stuff to people who don’t read it, can’t relate and want to sell me services I don’t need and haven’t asked for.” I know, delete and move on, but this time, maybe not. There is nothing to lose at this point and if no one ever publishes me again, I can die in my own voice! Thanks for making my day.
Well I've always felt old school enough to repeat the old bromide that goes "failure only happens when you quit."
Thank you for this refreshingly candid piece on the often flabbergasting nature of the submission process. On ageism, this overlooked "ism" is alive and well in MFA programs and publishing in general. It's nice to read this sentiment from another writer.
You've nailed the lot of the literary fiction writer these days!
"MFA-infected" is a great description...
You wrote my brain. My favorite "most hated" that I LONG to respond to is the endless turnaround time: "If you don't hear from us assume it's a pass." No end date. And ageism? Yes, dammit. And at a time when the work, for many of us, is better than ever.
"When the work...is better than ever." Cheers to that!
Although I do think of my work as "better than ever" despite the stream of rejections, I also realize that the picture is clouded by subjectivity and a certain degree of randomness in the process. On my better days, I ignore the market signals and keep on writing.
Absolutely. I take some pleasure in publication, sure - but that's transient. For me the meaning and the deepest joy is in the creation. And I am loving what I am capable of - and that includes self-editing and serious critique and revision.
I like your attitude--on alternate days, I try to do likewise.
ooo so funny and so sadly familiar....
I can totally relate to all of this.
I so loved this, thank you! Hits the spot for us all, I'm sure (and very wittily described, hah!).
And this: "it began to occur to me that most publishers and editors (and I say this remembering that I also ran my lit mag for 10 years and know first-hand what an asshole I could be) need to hear from someone who is submitting but not submitting. As it were." YES.
AND THIS!! Omg it's so me. I'm not alone. :D "Plus I’ve had exactly one and a half semesters of college way back in the 1970s because I had to quit school and go work or starve. Other than that everything’s JUST FUCKING FINE."
Plus I adore the Bukowski reference. Thank you! <3
Simpatico, then.
Yes :))