TECH: 101 Tips (54)

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting 3 Dec 2009

Writers' Digest, October 2004, pages 26 to 33, has a collection of short "nuggets of wisdom" related to getting published. Maria Schneider is the author of the compilation. Take a deep breath, and here we go:

"Always read and reread your manuscript to be sure it's clean -- no grammar, punctuation and spelling errors. And make sure the story idea is appropriate for the publication to which you are submitting." Maria Witte

Read and reread -- but first you probably need to set it aside so that you can look at it with fresh eyes. That's one of the reasons to have several pieces of work going, to help you get away from one manuscript so that you can look at it as a reader. They used to suggest that you should proofread from the ending -- reading backwards. I'm not sure that I've ever seen anyone actually doing that, because it's really hard to convince yourself to read one word at a time.

Anyway, again the notions are to make sure that the presentation doesn't distract from your story. Grammar, punctuation, spelling -- strange paper -- anything that makes the slush reader and editor have to stop and think for a moment, gives them a chance to set your story aside and reject it. You want them to fall into your story and just keep reading, without ever noticing that there are words there. So make the grammar, punctuation, spelling, style is clean and transparent as you can.

Write?

TECH: 101 Tips (55)

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting 4 Dec 2009

Writers' Digest, October 2004, pages 26 to 33, has a collection of short "nuggets of wisdom" related to getting published. Maria Schneider is the author of the compilation. Take a deep breath, and here we go:

"While waiting for a response, one of the best ways to relieve the anxiety is to dive into your next book. Not only does it take your mind off the wait, but it also prepares you for the possibility that the editor will want to buy your next book, too." Robin Gee

This is especially important given the kinds of response times for the publishing industry. It takes a while for your story or novel to move through the slush pile to get read, and if it doesn't get an automatic first rejection, well, you're probably looking at even longer. So don't expect instant responses. And while you're waiting -- keep writing!

Another trick here is that having one golden egg out there being looked at makes it more painful when there are rejections or even comments. Having several pieces making the rounds reduces that anxiety, and provides you with some alternatives when an editor says "I liked this piece, but it wasn't quite what I was looking for." Now you've got something to send them while they still have a chance of remembering who you are.

So... write, submit, and keep submitting. And while you're waiting -- write some more!

Just a story every week makes the editors go round, editors go round, editors go round... well, okay, it isn't great verse or even a spoonful of sugar, but...

Write, okay?