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- Reading responses must be AT LEAST 200 words.
- Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
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- Reading responses are due by midnight on the night PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.
For beginning writers, publishing your work is a common goal that is shared amongst all. Despite this, the journey to getting your work published can be as daunting as a mountain when compared to what must be done and where to start. However, “The Submitter’s Dilemma”, by Becky Tuch, is a great guide that instructs the readers on where they can begin on the road to have their work recognized. While all of the tips she informs us of on finding the right journal is accurate and professional, one theme from the entire article should be taken to heart. While your work should be composed, you do not have to change what it consists of or change how you right. In a world where many individuals change who they are or what they right to impress the right people, it is not necessary. Among the 600+ journals Tuch describes, there will be at least one who is interested in what you right. This ideal of not having to conform to what is considered the ideal themes is writing is something that is hard to find. Overall, this article is an excellent source on where to begin when searching for a journal because it gives you the useful information required, as well as the idea that you don’t need to change how or what your right about to have a shot at getting published.
ReplyDeleteDavid Leal
I found the article, The Submitters Dilemma, to be very informative for myself. I never had much interest in publishing a novel but understanding the different themes that relate to the magazine and how it increases your chances of your work getting published is very useful knowledge. In my ambitions to publish a cookbook and basketball skills book in the future, these types of works would be suitable in targeting specific magazines related to say basketball and cooking. This article opened my eyes to the importance of all these magazines, if you want to be a famous and known writer, you're going to have to go through these publishing magazines. As a writer, the stakes are raised and you risk the let downs of being rejected. On the bright side, its never the end of the line if you are rejected you can always revise or submit to another publisher that is more suitable for what you are writing about. The article says, “the sheer quantity of literary magazines can be quite terrifying”, I think otherwise, I think knowing that there are so many publishing resources (over 600 magazines) shows that there is lots of opportunity in the field of writing.
ReplyDeleteMark Benitez
I knew a bit of information about publishing a year ago for Special Topics: Creative Writing class. I even have a practice cover letter for a magazine that interested me, tucked away in my class folder. It’s short, sweet, and to the point with no sugar coating. “The Submitter’s Dilemma” and “What Editors Wants” gave me a refresher on having to research, read, and pick the correct magazine or journal to send a piece to. I’ve only learned this by the end of the class so I knew very little of what I should be mindful of. What I remember is that it’s almost tough to find the right magazine for my kind of genre, speculative fiction, or at least a favorite. What Barrett and Tuch had said, reading the contents of the magazine would better understand what the editor is looking for, at the same time give tips and different ways of craft to better improve my writing skills. Takes a lot of work and research, yet enjoyable for reading the genres most preferred. I get an itchy feeling under my chin when I’m given criticism for my work, but I shouldn’t feel that way. I should at least feel damn proud and joyful that someone read one of my pieces and dedicated the time to read and suggest tips for revision. Same goes with letters. Who the hell would burn or rip apart a rejection letter? Pin those suckers on a wall or put them in a folder, or buy yourself a big glass case and pedestal and puts those stacks of letters there. I would consider those as an achievements for trying and a motivation to keep on writing.
ReplyDeleteHector Dimas
“The Submitter’s Dilemma” was really informative. I feel that it can be summarized by a sentence that was used in the article itself, “...begin at the beginning.” This article was a solid introduction into the world of publishing and submitting work. It opened my eyes to a lot of relevant questions that I should consider long before I decide whether a piece is ready to be submitted. As well as habits to take up to better know the landscape, so to speak, of the world of published work. Habits like learning who the contributors are in terms of their reputation and biographies really provides a deeper insight into what type of publication one is sending their work to. Another productive habit is to actually read the magazines or journals that one is considering submitting to. Which leads me to “What Editors Want”, this is perhaps the most relevant question when deciding which publication to submit to. An editor is described in the aforementioned article as a “gatekeeper”, the one who protects the identity of any publication. Understanding who the editor is truly to maximizing one’s chances of being published. With all this I was able to gain an understanding of how much work is needed to become a published writer as well as the homework that is required to know which publication is best suited for my style of writing. All in all, these two articles were the tip of the iceberg and I feel they served as a more than adequate blueprint to follow in my future as a writer.
ReplyDeleteAndres Trevino
When reading "The Submitter's Dilemma", the article gave really good insight as to what type of magazine you as a writer are good for along with procedures you should practice when trying to get published. It makes sense to know what type of style the magazine you're trying to get published in, is all about as well as writing in a particular style that the magazine identifies with. It helps to know exactly what the magazine's theme is per say. Like what stories they cover? What do they want to feature? What type of people do they hire to work for them?
ReplyDeleteIn "What Editors Want" on the other hand, focuses more on the editors part when they get submissions from writers all over the globe. They [Editors] tend to do the dirty work. They're the ones who read and either accept or reject the writer by sending them a letter. In a sense they are the gatekeepers to the writers dream in the hopes of getting published. Personally it sounds a little bit biased and unfair that one's work may not meet the magazine's criteria. In the fifth paragraph of the article, it says "...and then passes the work along and meets with the other editors, or four, or eleven, and listens to their views, argues, surrenders, prevails, until there is enough for an issue that matches their vision of the magazine's identity". Basically a group of people dissect a writer's work and talks about whether it meets the magazine's "theme" "persona". From reading "What Editors Want", I feel that magazines are constantly looking for the newest, trendiest, most freshest perspective on either culture, fashion, food, economy, politics, sports, whatever the magazine identifies with so that consumers are constantly buying their magazines for the latest hype/ insights of what is at the bottom of the pit.
-Illiana Luna
“The Submitter’s Dilemma” was a lot more informative than I expected it to be on the subject of submitting to literary magazines. I didn’t know a lot about submitting to literary magazines before, and I’ve been encouraged by friends and my parents to try getting published in one, but I never knew where to start. This reading certainly drew the starting line in the sand for me, and I feel almost silly for not thinking of the simple things it mentions- like looking for the literary magazines on social media, how did I not think of that? This reading really just pointed out things that seem like they’re supposed to be obvious, but just went right over my head. It’s nice to have found perspective from someone who seemingly knows what they’re doing.
ReplyDeleteIn contrast, “What Editors Want” made me realize how much work an editor has to go through to find the right piece for their magazine- much more if not the same amount of work a writer must go through to find the right magazine to submit to. It’s an interesting comparison, like ships in the night the right writers and editors might just miss each other for another piece, a different magazine. It’s weird to think about. The second section really just reinforces the same recommendations as “The Submitter’s Dilemma,” which is, to put it plainly, do your homework. However, it also offers some helpful notes on how to accept rejection, and how to present your work- the answer to both being somewhere along the lines of “humbly”- and the like. This actually offers a lot more insider information about the etiquette of submitting, something that I wouldn’t have considered before, but of course there’s an etiquette to everything and I shouldn’t be surprised.
Overall, these two readings were extremely helpful, and I’m absolutely bookmarking them to reference when I venture into the world of publishing.
Lauryn Flores
After I finished reading the first article, “What Editors Want” it gave me a feeling of strength, to not give up. I know the first article talks about rejection when submitting your work and the stress of being an editor but it gave us an insight on what is happening on the other side of the spectrum. I submitted once and got rejected and it made me think “Man, they probably didn’t even finish reading my work and tossed it to the side.” After reading this I see that is not the case. There are many factors that contribute to a rejection. It answered my concerns about submitting ones work. Doing research is also very important. Honestly it’s something that never came to mind before, as stupid as that sounds. The second article, “The Submitter’s Dilemma” gave me an idea on how to begin my writing journey. It gives you information on how to pick a literary magazine that suits your work. I’m an aspiring writer and it helped to clear up certain questions I had. Obviously, the articles didn’t answer everything I ask myself about the writing world. I think that for me it’s about having the confidence and the ability to receive what comes as a lesson to be learned. It opened my eyes to see beyond what is being showed. For example, a rejection letter can be a new opportunity for you. To fix a certain scene that didn’t totally convince you or completely change it, maybe even come up with new ideas for it? Then, try submitting your work to another literary magazine or as many as you’d like. Never stop fighting. I know I won’t.
ReplyDeleteAlejandra Rodriguez
In the article, What Editors Want, we are presented with the realities of an editing job. What is the editor at a publishing magazine thinking when he receives a submission? What does the writer need to consider in his etiquette in receiving a rejection? The article provided insight, I looked at this article as something I could actually refer to in the future, it’s all about knowing who you are sending to. It’s a good idea to read the magazine you are submitting to so you can have an idea of what published writing looks like. The article covers everything even how to respond to rejected submissions and it’s really changed my viewpoint on failure. The way this article talked about receiving a rejection made it seemed like being rejected was a victory, and in the event that the publisher provided comments and feedback is actually a sign that your piece just almost made the cut. It really seems like a competitive field, your interacting with other people that means dealing with egos. The article really focuses on knowing your publisher and understanding how your editor is feeling in the moments that your piece finally reaches his hands.
ReplyDeleteMark Benitez
Before reading “The Submitter’s Dilemma”, I hadn’t truly thought about publishing any of my writing or the work that came along with doing so. The majority of my past professors’ never fail to recommend students to send out their work, but they have also never furthered their suggestions with as much thoroughness as this article. This piece was profusely detailed on how to actually proceed with the publishing part. The tips and tricks are extremely helpful and I definitely see myself using them when I decide to go for it. I found this article to be comforting as well as daunting. The number of steps and preparations toward publishing a story is a lot (which is the scary part), but it also lets you know you are starting from the beginning. It made me realize that everyone starts from scratch and that there is a chance for me to actually get published.
ReplyDelete“What Editors Want” is one of the most eye-opening piece I have read, so far. It helped me understand the process of publishing from both viewpoints– the editor and the writer. As a future editor (hopefully) I now see the imminent challenges I will face and as a writer I have a better prospect on how to publish my stories. The insight that this article provided put me in the shoes of the editor. I now have a clear idea of the dos and don’ts of publishing and I’m sure I’ll keep in mind the editor’s process when I am writing and especially when I send out my work. The concept that was most valuable, to me, was accepting rejections. I feel like that is what discourages writers the most, but I got a clear message from this piece: rejections make good practice. Emotionally and skill-wise. Not only did it express that rejection helps strengthen your talent as a writer, but it also guides your reactions to it. I know I’m going to feel low when I get a rejection, but after reading the article it prepared me to feel that way and to keep going despite it. I think it was a perfect way of telling an aspiring author to not expect a literary miracle to happen on the first try.
Diana Gonzalez
In the works of “What Editors Want,” and “The Submitter’s Dilemma,” both authors provide a step by step analysis on how to enter the literary realm. In “The Submitter’s Dilemma,” Tuch provides an in depth analysis for beginning authors on how to properly address their literary works. The author takes into consideration the reader is more than likely inexperienced in the field of publishing, therefore takes a more simplistic, informative approach. The best part of the article is that it offers fresh, new ideas on how to gain momentum in the world of literature, like the usage of social media. “What Editors Want,” represents the second portion of what a potential author endure, acceptance or rejection of their works. Barrett writes the article similar to the work of Tuch, writing in a clear, concise tone. Barrett wants the audience or potential authors to understand the likelihood of literary acceptance and the unfortunate reality of possible rejection. The author speaks in a more therapeutic tone when addresses the issue of literary rejection, in order to help the audience understand that writing is a learning process, and comes with much editing and revision. In the end, both authors write their articles to provide hope and optimism to writers potentially entering the literary world.
ReplyDeletePedro Trevino
Reading “The Submitters Dilemma” really gave me an awareness as to what I want to be looking for when researching literary journals. I’m going to be honest, this is probably the first time I’ve ever looked into literary journals/literary magazines, so it was a little overwhelming to find out just how vast this area of the literary world is. I really found all of her tips on how to pick/choose/find the type of magazines that would publish the type of work you choose to write about helpful, especially when she advised for the readers to learn from their favorite writers by doing researched about where they published currently, and also when they published in the past. She also recommended looking up their resumes because “Most writers now publish their resumes online, so you can see exactly where they began their publishing careers.”
ReplyDelete“What Editors Want” was really eye opening as well, because I had never really thought about the process that goes into creating a magazine, and exactly how much work the editor of magazines did. All of the advice was extremely helpful, and I was really appreciative of how much detail she shared when it came to dealing with rejection because more often than not, most writers will be rejected (well, at least once.) I think some of the best advice she gave was for the reader to keep track of what they submitted, and to which magazines. She really stressed this point by stating so many different ways things could go wrong if you didn’t keep track, like in case you were rejected but found a new way to edit the work. “If, while the work was away, you thought about it and saw things you really want to do to improve it, do so. Then send it to the next place you want to try. Never send it back to the rejecting editor”
Ayesha Crutchfield
As someone who really hopes to publish novels someday, "The Submitter's Dilemma" and "What Editor's Want" both give great advice for how I should pursue my goal. While writing short stories and putting them in a magazine has never exactly been part of my goals for the future, I do feel like the advice given in these articles can apply to me all the same.
ReplyDelete"The Submitter's Dilemma" gives advice on how you can get your work posted in a journal. One thing that stood out to me is when it states that having no knowledge of where to begin is an okay starting point. Often times we have doubts about our goals just because we're not sure where to even begin. If anything, "The Submitter's Dilemma" can be considered a great place to begin. The advice given, such as looking for literary magazines and reading bios of authors are all great ways to get insight on how to get your work featured. I also love the advice on submitting your work to contests. One novel that I'm currently trying to publish actually started out as a final Creative Writing project that I submitted for a writing contest at UTRGV. Although I don't think my work went anywhere after that, I think the contest really motivated me to keep moving forward with my story and allowing me to grow and expand on it.
"What Editor's Want" talks about the actual process of submitting a story for a magazine. It also goes into detail about what this process is like for the editors themselves and what exactly they're looking for in a submission. Considering I would like to get my work looked at by an professional editor one day, I really feel like I can gain something by reading this article. Maybe when I work on more of my writing projects in the future, I can get them proofread and revised several times from others before actually trying to take it to a professional editor. Though the article here specifically talks about editors of magazines, I'm sure the process for editors of novels is very similar.
Michael McCormick
I'd read similar articles before, after having had committed all the sinful "don'ts" myself highlighted in both "The Submitter's Dilemma" and "What Editor's Want" when I was far too young and a lot more naive than I am now. I found "I'd read similar articles before, after having had committed all the sinful "don'ts" myself highlighted in both "The Submitter's Dilemma" and "What Editor's Want" when I was far too young and a lot more naive than I am now. I found "The Submitter's Dilemma" highly informative and helpful as a writer to be in need of detailed tips and advice on how to get published by literary journals that'll allow your work to thrive. "What Editor's Want" provided some insight into the processes of an editor, the behind the scenes lowdown on what it takes to be accepted and rejected. It takes research and work to catch the editor's eye and light a fire in their mind.
ReplyDeleteRobin Turrubiates
After reading “The Submitters Dilemma”, and “What Editors want”, I have realized just how much goes into the process of submitting written works to willing publishers. Not just from the editors point of view, but also from the actual author trying to get there work out there as best as they can. The writer doesn’t only have to consider if they are submitting something that is well written and interesting, but they also have to do their research on the certain publishers they are sending their work to. It’s not merely a process of picking out one of your favorite ideas and then hoping you catch the editor on one of his/her better days.
ReplyDeleteIt takes thoughtful consideration and studying to get your work as close as possible to the desired outcome most literary magazines are looking for from writers. That being said “What editors want” by Lynne Barret also gives insightful knowledge on how to roll with the punches of rejection. Just in case you somehow don’t quite make it to publication nirvana. Lynne Barret pointed out that you should proudly accept the rejection; learn from it ,and analyze the letter for certain key items. And most important of all, never send a reply to the rejection letter.
All in all, I have never considered writing a short story for a literary magazine, but after reading both of “The Submitters Dilemma”, and “What Editors want”, Hopefully by the end of this semester I will try my luck in submitting to one of these literary magazines myself. If not I can always just go back to writing graphic novels.
-Kathleen m. Salinas
The first three sections presented in "The Submitter's Dilemma" did not present itself as eye opening information to me. I wouldn't say they contained common knowledge that all writers should have, but it's definitely information writers should have a concept of. I don't know everything there is to possibly know about how to get work published and recognized, but I should be able to put two and two together. If I wanted to choose the right literary magazine for my work, I would know to research publishings that have the same or that consider similar themes that I've expressed in my work. I'd know to review their requirements and see if my work is fitting before submitting to them, I don't need someone to point that out to me. The remaining portion of the blog was far more informative, but I found the section Read Contributors Bios to be quite intuitive. Not only did I learn something new from it, it made me realize I have the tendency to treat contributors' bios like opening/closing credits: I see them there, I know they say something about who worked on the piece, but I don't pay any attention to them. I shouldn't do that considering one day; hopefully, someone will come across my contributors' bio - it's just bad karma.
ReplyDeleteOverall, "What Editors Want" was insightful, but reading that first section made me mad as hell. It made me think back to a certain editor I use to work with that I absolutely loathe entirely. I won't mention their name, but let me tell you something about them. In the sixth paragraph, Barrett states "The editor, despite this, notices some good pieces, puts them aside to reread, sees in the light of the second reading what holds up, and then passes the work along and meets with the other editor, or four, our eleven, and listens to their views, argues, surrenders, prevails, until there is enough for an issue that matches their vision of the magazine's identity." Well, this editor did not do any of what Barrett just mentioned. In fact, they did the complete opposite of it. This editor tore submissions to shreds at a glance, there were no good pieces according to them, and nothing was ever set aside by them to be reread because nothing ever made it past their first reading. When we had meetings, all they had to say was rude remarks about the pieces, and when we would casually share our thoughts and views, they would immediately turn them into arguments. We were lucky to have published anything with them as editor. Maybe I should send them this article to show how an editor should actually do their job.
Karla Olvera
The articles "The Submitter’s Dilemma" and "What Editors Want" were very informative and detailed about the in's and out's of works being chosen for literary journals. In my Intro to Creative Writing class, the professor had spent the last couple of weeks talking about how to get our work published and where to begin. He talked about how it was important to research the journals and gave us a few websites to check out. Personally, I'm scared of starting the process of submitting work for publication, but after reading these articles, it eases up that fear immensely. Understanding that an editor is a gatekeeper and has to keep the journal's interest in mind does help to accept the rejection that will come in the future. Also hitting on the points that thorough research on the journals gives me a better idea of where to start with this process. The transparency both articles give make them incredible resources to help the reader understand that the writing world isn't some exclusive club but a long journey one has to dedicate themselves to.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about the process editors go through and their struggle, because it gave a better insight on what the editors are thinking when looking at candidates for the journal. Both articles really help to put the responsibility on the writers' to make sure they're doing all that they can to see their work published. By having that accountability now understood, I feel more prepared to start submitting work and encouraged, especially seeing that rejection isn't the worst thing that could happen.
- Georginia Ramos
The Submitters Dilemma is a guide to find the proper magazine in which one should publish. It is also advice, and a good starter for things to consider in order to achieve consideration and recognition. Also, it focuses on finding the right magazine to submit one’s work according to interests of the magazine. It advices on things to consider for ones writing style, and theme in order to be considered for such magazines. Reviewing and reading different magazines is crucial, important and informative for one in order to become familiar and know exactly what you want. One has to be on the look out to learn what an interest is at the time, whether is about politics or an extraordinary event. Also, being able to identify competition, and learn those environments as well as learn about the authors and beginnings.
ReplyDeleteFrancisco J. Aboytes
“The submitter’s dilemma” and “what editor’s want” were informative and provided insight to a world of publication that i was not aware of. The complexities that are taken in the varieties of written genres was particularly interesting. Upon reading the article, it was sobering to begin to comprehend the formalities that are involved with review of submissions. The results of rejections are not something that appear to be taken so personal, as it is all in what’s right at the time in a business standpoint. Another thing I found useful was the platform that was introduced different ways to establish yourself as a writer like social media and reading up on publications that are similar to your writing styles. The tips on keeping track of your submissions and follow ups. The example submission letter as well as the advice on who would be handling it was good information. I learned a lot about the next step after tons of editing and they things that will be taken into consideration if and when I submit work to a publication.
ReplyDelete-Amanda Gonzales