Good Advice
COPING WITH REJECTION
After the blood sweat and tears, you finally drop your precious manuscript into the postbox, or send it hurtling through cyberspace to an editor's desk, only to receive the dreaded rejection slip. We all feel that moment of devastation, heartbreak, and vow, "I'll never write anything again". STOP RIGHT THERE!
We call them rejection slips. And flipping heck - it really does feel like rejection. Your baby, your life's work, your pride and joy has been returned to you unloved, disliked, cast aside to sit on top of the slush pile.
Put your rejection slips in a frame - wear them like a badge of honour - YOU are the person who did the hard work, paid for the stamps, and had the guts to offer it to the world. BE PROUD. Just tell yourself "better luck next time." Laurie Lee's classic "Cider With Rosie" was rejected 30 times. So who are we to baulk at a few measly rejection slips? In the early days of Codsall Writers we had a bit of a race to see who was the first to obtain one and I can assure you I have since been the recipient of many.
Update: although the sentiments of the above remain he same you're more likely to receive your first "buzz off" message by e-mail or text these days.
After the blood sweat and tears, you finally drop your precious manuscript into the postbox, or send it hurtling through cyberspace to an editor's desk, only to receive the dreaded rejection slip. We all feel that moment of devastation, heartbreak, and vow, "I'll never write anything again". STOP RIGHT THERE!
We call them rejection slips. And flipping heck - it really does feel like rejection. Your baby, your life's work, your pride and joy has been returned to you unloved, disliked, cast aside to sit on top of the slush pile.
Put your rejection slips in a frame - wear them like a badge of honour - YOU are the person who did the hard work, paid for the stamps, and had the guts to offer it to the world. BE PROUD. Just tell yourself "better luck next time." Laurie Lee's classic "Cider With Rosie" was rejected 30 times. So who are we to baulk at a few measly rejection slips? In the early days of Codsall Writers we had a bit of a race to see who was the first to obtain one and I can assure you I have since been the recipient of many.
Update: although the sentiments of the above remain he same you're more likely to receive your first "buzz off" message by e-mail or text these days.
1. Meeting market requirements
When writing for a particular market, ALWAYS study your target market BEFORE writing your story or article. You are selling a commodity - to achieve success you have to write what the editor requires. You can find guidelines for several of the popular women's magazines at http://www.womagwriter.blogspot.com. (See also Links to Useful Websites page). Nowadays some publications will forward their guidelines in response to a quick e-mail. Check the editorial details for who to contact, they're usually listed in the magazine.
It is advisable to read several issues of a publication before submitting work. You need to get the 'feel' of the magazine - the tone of writing and the general house style. To sell your work you must pay attention to these details.
It is advisable to read several issues of a publication before submitting work. You need to get the 'feel' of the magazine - the tone of writing and the general house style. To sell your work you must pay attention to these details.
DON'T YOU JUST LOVE STEPHEN FRY?
click on the link below - watch the little video about kinetic language... it's fascinating
click on the link below - watch the little video about kinetic language... it's fascinating