Reflections on a New Yorker dust-up; respect for writers & editors; learning from rejection; PANK gonna PANK; Fiction International closing; how lit mags make $$; work opportunities; markets & more...
RE: < Ann Kathryn Kelly writes about The Need for Respect Between Writers and Editors. Here you will find an exchange between writer and editor that is unsettling indeed > I hope that Ann Kathryn Kelly fans (who've read her essay) will treat any snarky editor that same way you treat a big black bear running towards you: do not engage. Do not waste time mud slinging, trying to get in the last word, or anything of the kind. You will not benefit from it.
And as much as I sympathize with her distress [upon hearing her CNF about her sister-in-law's suicide called "junk"], one comment was bewildering.
She did not read the magazine before submitting; she relied on a flawed "call to submit" that incorrectly stated Zine XYZ accepts reprints.
< His reply, a half hour later:
Like other magazines, XX receives many submissions from people who have not read it. When I call this fact to their attention, they reply as you did that they cannot buy every magazine to which they submit. Why not? If a magazine is good enough to publish your work, it is good enough for you to buy a copy. >
And, yes, he is right . . . partly.
You ought to READ a publication before submitting to vet it, to see if it's a good home for your work.
But who said you have to * * BUY * * it?
There are many ways to secure a FREE copy of a back issue.
Reading the newspaper / magazine / literary journal / newsletter FIRST is essential. Truly.
I taught my writing and journalism students this is THE first step: familiarity with your target market.
It will serve all writers well to do this.
:•ღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒஐღ•: Becky, have a safe, enriching, and restful vacation in July!!! :•ღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒஐღ•:
Yes, Pank stank. Many stories, all rotten. Best forgotten. Dont do what I do- keep an "injustice" file like my father did with all the harms and hurts others have perpetrated upon his soul. He knows every drawer and can recite on the spot with a furious fervor. with every word perfectly cadenced and every pause, sneer clearer than a missle. Shortly after his rages turns in wards and knocks him into sleep. Have a great summer, Becky; if any of us deserve one ( and I''ll bet most do, you do for sure.
Have a wonderful month off, Becky-and thank you for all you do for us!
Have a great vacation, so well-deserved. :-)
RE: < Ann Kathryn Kelly writes about The Need for Respect Between Writers and Editors. Here you will find an exchange between writer and editor that is unsettling indeed > I hope that Ann Kathryn Kelly fans (who've read her essay) will treat any snarky editor that same way you treat a big black bear running towards you: do not engage. Do not waste time mud slinging, trying to get in the last word, or anything of the kind. You will not benefit from it.
And as much as I sympathize with her distress [upon hearing her CNF about her sister-in-law's suicide called "junk"], one comment was bewildering.
She did not read the magazine before submitting; she relied on a flawed "call to submit" that incorrectly stated Zine XYZ accepts reprints.
< His reply, a half hour later:
Like other magazines, XX receives many submissions from people who have not read it. When I call this fact to their attention, they reply as you did that they cannot buy every magazine to which they submit. Why not? If a magazine is good enough to publish your work, it is good enough for you to buy a copy. >
And, yes, he is right . . . partly.
You ought to READ a publication before submitting to vet it, to see if it's a good home for your work.
But who said you have to * * BUY * * it?
There are many ways to secure a FREE copy of a back issue.
Reading the newspaper / magazine / literary journal / newsletter FIRST is essential. Truly.
I taught my writing and journalism students this is THE first step: familiarity with your target market.
It will serve all writers well to do this.
:•ღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒஐღ•: Becky, have a safe, enriching, and restful vacation in July!!! :•ღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒஐღ•:
Yes, Pank stank. Many stories, all rotten. Best forgotten. Dont do what I do- keep an "injustice" file like my father did with all the harms and hurts others have perpetrated upon his soul. He knows every drawer and can recite on the spot with a furious fervor. with every word perfectly cadenced and every pause, sneer clearer than a missle. Shortly after his rages turns in wards and knocks him into sleep. Have a great summer, Becky; if any of us deserve one ( and I''ll bet most do, you do for sure.
Oof, a rough post. The many challenges of the lit community continue...
When the going gets tough, the tough keep writing . . . except when it comes to a mud-slinging competition via email with an irate editor. :-)
Awesome vacation for you! And lots to ponder for us. Thank you!
Enjoy your month out of town, Becky. I’m looking forward to the Monday column.
Lovely article, Becky!
Wow, that "sarcastic reply"!! Such unbelievable arrogance. I hope Ann Kathryn Kelly found a good place for her work!