I learned a valuable lesson today. I submitted a brief query to a high profile magazine editor. I stated that I had been successful in the anthology market, 22 Chicken Soup for the Soul books and many other publications. My article was about how I successfully discovered a way to get local media coverage for a book signing.
The editor replied that because CS does not pay residuals, the article would be of no value.
I wrote back that my article would not even mention CS. The topic was about how I obtained media coverage. I did not say it was for an anthology.
Editor's paraphrased reply: You used your technique to gain media coverage to promote a book you would get no further compensation for. Not interested.
Was this a result of lack of communication, a mutual misunderstanding, or one editor's opinion of anthology contributors? In any case, I hope I never get haughty.
Lesson learned: State your intent in the first sentence, because few editors have time to read on.
Most important writing tip: Always be kind.
Here's a calendar list of free contests. Hope you enter and win.
http://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/p/free-contests.html
The editor replied that because CS does not pay residuals, the article would be of no value.
I wrote back that my article would not even mention CS. The topic was about how I obtained media coverage. I did not say it was for an anthology.
Editor's paraphrased reply: You used your technique to gain media coverage to promote a book you would get no further compensation for. Not interested.
Was this a result of lack of communication, a mutual misunderstanding, or one editor's opinion of anthology contributors? In any case, I hope I never get haughty.
Lesson learned: State your intent in the first sentence, because few editors have time to read on.
Most important writing tip: Always be kind.
Here's a calendar list of free contests. Hope you enter and win.
http://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/p/free-contests.html
13 comments:
Wow - really? Luckily I find very few editors actually fit the stereotype.
I hope that editor reads this post, especially the "be kind" part. You know, eventually, almost everyone falls down...
And when this editor does, you can give them a swift kick.
I think it is getting increasingly hard to be heard...in publishing or anywhere! There seems to be no rules or flexible rules or rules based on personal opinion rather than true guidelines or rules of civility these days. Just my observation.
Oh, Linda. I've had my share of go arounds with such editors. I, too, hope I never get haughty. He/she totally misunderstood your intent. Grrr. Chicken Soup is well respected and it's a testimony to your heartfelt writing that you've touched so many lives through them. That editor's loss! Thank you for the link! Now that I'm kid-free for the next few days (I think), I can give this a serious look. God bless.
A lesson you won't forget any time soon. Thanks for the link to contests. I need a push to get writing. That, or 40 days and 40 nights of rain!
Good manners never go out of style. That maxim applies for editors, too. Sorry about your unfortunate encounter!
The cool kids have way of doing that to kids not in their circle. They never really grow up.
Wow, that was a rude response. I'm sorry you had to deal with that. Thank you for the list of contests!
Sometimes I just don't get editors' behavior. Cheeze. You are a wonderful writer, Linda. Keep it up! Susan
Thank you so much for the heads up. Sorry you had to deal with an editor with an attitude. Their loss will be someone else's gain.
I'm sure you will NEVER get haughty!
I don't care how busy people are. There's no excuse to be rude.
Pat
Critter Alley
Editors just don't know what they are missing out on sometimes. Yes, we should all be kind - and that includes editors.
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