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

[bondo_ba]

Thanks for this - it's always useful to further understand editors!

I've never understood authors who react badly to personalized rejections. Not only do these people show no appreciation for the time that the editor has put into giving them feedback, they also make it less likely that editors will continue to give personalized rejections, thereby making it harder for the rest of us to improve our writing.

[ravenelectrick]

You're welcome!

The negative reactions have been few and far between, but even a few make me question whether it's worth the additional time spent on personal rejections.

Thanks for commenting. :-)

[catephoenix]

I always welcome a personalised rejection (especially the ones that help me improve as a writer), but also appreciate not all editors have the time. Actually I'm amazed any have the time. Don't let the negative reactions get you down.

[ravenelectrick]

In general, the negative reactions don't get me down-- again, there have only been a few. But they do make me wonder whether personal rejections are worth my editorial time.

On the other hand, as a writer, I've benefited from personalized rejections, so I end up a bit split on the subject. ;-)

rejections

[maryjorabe]

I always figure that a personal rejection is just one step down from an acceptance. Nothing is more helpful (remembering the many times I read a poem over and over again, noticing that "something" isn't quite right, but I can't figure out what it is....)! However, I am truly amazed that any editor manages that any more, especially since most editors are also writers who need the time for their own writing.

Mary Jo

Re: rejections

[ravenelectrick]

I don't think that personal rejections are always one step down from an acceptance. It depends on the editor's practices. But writers really need to cultivate the positive attitude about rejection that you seem to have mastered. :-)

Evolution from personal to form rejections: a case study

[distanceswimmer]

And then there are those of us who really have small interest in "helpful editorial suggestions" unless they are largely in the form of minor copy editing, preferably accompanying a glowing acceptance. We appreciate the terse but friendly "no thanks, not for me," useful in market analysis. Yeah, it may sound arrogant to a tin ear, but it really acknowledges the fact everybody is entitled to their own opinion, even if from another perspective said opinion stinks to high heaven.

Re: Evolution from personal to form rejections: a case study

[ravenelectrick]

I haven't seen any statistical surveys, but from anecdotal evidence (viewing forum posts, blogs, etc. over the past eight years) it does seem that the majority of authors prefer personal to form rejections. Even in this thread, albeit with a tiny sample size, it's running 3 to 1 in favor of personal rejections. As a writer, I prefer them myself, which is why I've had a difficult time switching to form rejections. But it's helpful to know that some folks, like you, are just as happy without them.

I thought you might appreciate a picture of the ocean for my avatar. ;-)

[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

[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.