What exactly are they looking for?

[daydreammuse]

Comments

[faerie_writer]

You know, I think the #1 thing editors look for *first* is the polish and craft in the writing that tells them the writer is a professional (that is if you're sending to magazines that pay professional rates). Most editors can tell within a page, within a paragraph even, if someone has reached that level in their work. Have you read Cassandra Clare's Tips for Teen Writers? She gives excellent advice and links - http://cassandraclare.livejournal.com/21613.html?view=980333. The ultimate truth is that very few teens have put in the hours of work it takes to learn to be a professional. Not because they don't try, but because physically they can't. They have school. They have homework. They social lives. They do not have 4-6 hours a day (every day) to commit to writing, and they probably won't until they're a lot older. My advice to a teen writer would be to look at this time in their lives as the practice time and don't put the pressure on yourself

[daydreammuse]

Your thoughts here are massively appreciated. I have never considered that, like duh, I should never underestimate editor's superpowers. The post and articles linked to it perfectly portray my predicament. I think I am putting a lot of pressure on myself. I fully realize that and still I do it. It's one of those I-want-it-THAT-badly situations mixed with teen impatience screaming "I want it NOW". With Internet making things way more easier it's hard to resist and toy with the idea that you may in fact be a prodigy.

[faerie_writer]

I know *exactly* how you feel. I didn't start writing seriously (and by seriously I mean with the end goal as being published) till I was 28. Do you know when I published my first work? Not until I was 40 - 12 freaking years later! *sighs* Oh, but I wanted it bad. And I wanted it NOW. It didn't happen that way, though. I had to put in my long hours/years of practice first. Guess we all do. :)

[daydreammuse]

True to that. Writing is not that easy as many people deem it to be, but I think you, me and many other people already know that.

In the end, I can say that it doesn't matter, when you get published, but that you end up there (though we wish things happen as early as possible). Also happy that you got there and I wish you many books ahead of you.

[faerie_writer]

I was looking through Cassandra's post and saw that you commented, so I guess you already read her tips. I still stand by my advice, though. I think you're putting too much pressure on yourself to publish out of high school. Just have fun with your writing. :)

[daydreammuse]

Oh, I'm having fun writing! It's the most magnificent thing I could do and it's fulfilling every time. Thank you for your concern. It really means a lot to me. I'll lay back the great ambitions at an early age, but I won't stop swinging and submitting. You ahve to admit that it's experience nonetheless.

Thank you once again!

[faerie_writer]

Glad to hear how much you love writing! You really need that love to get you through the long years of rejection and to help you not to give up too soon. :D

[meredith_wood]

The truth is that you are absolutely never going to know what an editor wants. Never. You have to write your stories and continue to grow as you write. Then start over again. Editors don't know what they want until it's right in front of them. Something about the writing, the story, will grab them and that's that. :)

[daydreammuse]

Oh this is a really good thought too. It basically happens like all things in life. Hah, quite obvious, but yet it elluded me. Yup, I'm gonna be writing and growing. Only way to go! Thanks! :)

[music_lover3]

I think it depends on the editor. Though I think the magazine could've been a little more specific.

[daydreammuse]

That's true too, but it would really be neat if we had telepathy and knew everything! :) Oh yes, I am drooling at the possibilities. Anyways this is not directed to the editor's or something like that, it's just my wonder and curiosity!