A note from Carola Huttmann: "I appreciate how hard publishers' non-acceptances are on writers, particularly when they occur repeatedly, but rejections are *never* (or only very rarely) due to poor quality writing. They happen, because the piece is not a 'fit' with the publisher's vision for the particular issue of journal or anthology being commissioned. Also, bear in mind, writing is subjective and taste is personal. Through literarily hundreds of 'non-acceptances' over the years I have come to understand that some simply don't like my style of writing, but don't think it's bad in itself. It's just not what most publishers are looking for. I know this is cold comfort when you feel your work is being unfairly judged but, honestly, it's nothing personal. I accepted that a long time ago. Please keep the faith. Imagine a publisher has a dozen slots to fill, but his call for pieces results in two hundred submissions. What is he/she to do? Difficult decisions have to be made. Some will make writers happy, others will feel dejected. Sadly, that's the name of the game. It's a tough / competitive (publishing) world out there Trust in yourself and your writing, because it's brilliant. A tiny tip: sometimes it helps reading past issues of journals to see what the pieces it publishes 'feel' like. If you can, by all means try to mould your own style to that publication. At the same time, however, please remain true to yourself -- it's who you are and you're a unique and wonderful individual. Write for yourself, not for publication. Keep submitting and if your work is accepted consider it a bonus. You've got this, as they say in American movies :)"
This was a wonderful article and a kind reminder that getting published doesn't need to be THE goal. Thank you! Looking forward to your Glorious Words workshop in February!
Yes - exactly this. Having it as A goal rather than the ONLY goal makes the whole thing so much easier to deal with. I'm currently reading all the Welkin Mini entries that have come in so far and the standard is so good I'm having to give NQAs to some wonderful stories - those writers have achieved so much even if the outcome in terms of publication (with the Welkin) is ultimately a no. Really looking forwards to working with you in Feb - should be a brilliant couple of weeks.
Really glad it's helpful, Maureen. I have definitely felt more zen about NQAs since I started writing principally for me rather than always aiming for publication.
A note from Carola Huttmann: "I appreciate how hard publishers' non-acceptances are on writers, particularly when they occur repeatedly, but rejections are *never* (or only very rarely) due to poor quality writing. They happen, because the piece is not a 'fit' with the publisher's vision for the particular issue of journal or anthology being commissioned. Also, bear in mind, writing is subjective and taste is personal. Through literarily hundreds of 'non-acceptances' over the years I have come to understand that some simply don't like my style of writing, but don't think it's bad in itself. It's just not what most publishers are looking for. I know this is cold comfort when you feel your work is being unfairly judged but, honestly, it's nothing personal. I accepted that a long time ago. Please keep the faith. Imagine a publisher has a dozen slots to fill, but his call for pieces results in two hundred submissions. What is he/she to do? Difficult decisions have to be made. Some will make writers happy, others will feel dejected. Sadly, that's the name of the game. It's a tough / competitive (publishing) world out there Trust in yourself and your writing, because it's brilliant. A tiny tip: sometimes it helps reading past issues of journals to see what the pieces it publishes 'feel' like. If you can, by all means try to mould your own style to that publication. At the same time, however, please remain true to yourself -- it's who you are and you're a unique and wonderful individual. Write for yourself, not for publication. Keep submitting and if your work is accepted consider it a bonus. You've got this, as they say in American movies :)"
This was a wonderful article and a kind reminder that getting published doesn't need to be THE goal. Thank you! Looking forward to your Glorious Words workshop in February!
Yes - exactly this. Having it as A goal rather than the ONLY goal makes the whole thing so much easier to deal with. I'm currently reading all the Welkin Mini entries that have come in so far and the standard is so good I'm having to give NQAs to some wonderful stories - those writers have achieved so much even if the outcome in terms of publication (with the Welkin) is ultimately a no. Really looking forwards to working with you in Feb - should be a brilliant couple of weeks.
I will be rereading this often. What a great perspective. Thank you, Matt.
Really glad it's helpful, Maureen. I have definitely felt more zen about NQAs since I started writing principally for me rather than always aiming for publication.
Thanks for your kind words, Kate. Glad you enjoyed the article and the story.