So I've been an associate editor for Wild Child Publishing for a few days now, and I've already reviewed three science-fiction submissions. Being on this side of the fence is a bit odd; as a writer, I want to see other writers published. But now, as an editor of speculative fiction, I cannot simply wave my magic wand and type "Bibbity bobbity boo" and accept every story that finds its way into my inbox. (Although, admittedly, it would be uber cool to have a magic wand.)
What I can do, though, is strive to be the sort of editor whom I always hope to come across when I submit my work for publication. So I will do my best to reply to all submissions within one week, and to give personal, detailed feedback for each story. This is my goal, and I hope to every writing deity out there that I can achieve it. Stop laughing. I'm serious--I will do everything I can to give meaningful feedback to every author who sends work my way.
(Wonder what I'll do when I get my first "I HATE YOU AND YOU'RE STUPID FOR NOT PUBLISHING ME" message? Besides blog it, I mean.)
Meanwhile, back in the Hall of Writing, I have five short stories currently circulating. Just heard tonight that one of them passed an initial reading round -- woo-hoo! Waiting to see if I get the Official Good Word or not. Also, the editor of Byzarium let me know that she would be sending me a contract later this week. Yowza, I didn't make it up; another short story really did get accepted for publication! Happy dance!
Book Buzz of the Day
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by some chick across the pond. Any book that generates such excitement and a love of reading in kids and adults deserves applause. Thank you, J.K. You've given me hope that not everyone out there will shrug off books and say, "I'll wait for the movie."
Resource of the Day
The Zen Pen. This new venture, launched by former Realms of Fantasy slush editor Carina Gonzalez, is awesome. Not an opinion, folks; this is fact. The Zen Pen is a service for serious writers. I won't kid you: Carina's damned serious about telling you like it is. Her review of my short story didn't pull any punches. Serious ouches, but all of them well-intentioned...and very astute. It was one of the best critiques I've ever gotten, period. No sugar coating here, so this service ain't for those who need to have their egos stoked. If your story isn't working, and you don't know why, get thee to The Zen Pen. (See the list at right for the link.)
5 Comments:
Let me help you out with your concern:
I HAET U!! YR STOOPID 4 KNOT PUBLIHSIGN ME!!!!!!!
There, you may now practice.
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Rabe, honey, you have to, you know, submit a story to me first. But you're a sweetie for letting me practice. :-)
So I will do my best to reply to all submissions within one week, and to give personal, detailed feedback for each story.
Good luck with that!
My original published goal (i.e. as listed in the Writers Guidelines) was a two-week response, with an unpublished intention of doing it within days.
That published goal became four weeks.
Then...
I am trying to stay within four weeks, and hope to get back to two.
Dan
Thanks for the good luck wishes, Dan! I really want to do right by the authors and get back to them quickly. I also want to give their submissions the attention they deserve. For right now, it's quite manageable.
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