Evolution from personal to form rejections: a case study

[ravenelectrick]

Back when I first started writing and submitting short stories and poetry to speculative markets, I wondered why editors didn't give more helpful feedback to authors, especially for items that came close to what they were seeking. Since I've now been editing for over eight years, with both e-zine and print anthology experience with Raven Electrick,

Comments

[gardnercastle]

Very helpful. I'm ashamed for writers who behave so unprofessionally and I'm sorry that you've been faced with such reactions to a generous, kind impulse intended only to help. That also gives me something to think about should I ever get my own 'zine off the ground. By the way, the rewrite requests are very tricky on both sides. It's hard to know how much to do and how far to take it. I've had some rewrites that were well received, and others where editors felt that I'd swung too much in the opposite direction. However, what I've learned from all these experiences is that what seems to work best is to focus narrowly on what wasn't working for the editor, change only what must be changed to make it work, and tamper with the rest as little as possible. It's definitely a narrow line to tread. I'm glad that you're able to put aside the sense of obligation and still reject what needs to be rejected. I'm sure that for all those who take it badly, there are many more writers out there like me who are silently grateful for the time and trouble when you do make comments.

[ravenelectrick]

Thanks for your thoughtful reply, Lyn. As I said, the negative reactions are few and far between, but when I'm doing that cost/benefit analysis of whether it's worth the time to do the personalized rejections, those responses have to be weighed in the "cost" column.

Your take on rewrites is spot-on.

Thanks again for your comments.