What You May Not Know About Rejection
by: Frances Gregory Pasch
As the leader of a Christian writers’ group for the past 20 years, I find that most writers love putting words on paper, but many of their finished pieces remain in their desk drawers
Mailing or e-mailing my work has always been a fun experience. When I submit regularly, waiting for a response is a highlight of my day. When my mailbox or my inbox is filled only with advertisements, bills or junk mail, I know I haven’t been using my writing gift.
I’ve had over two hundred devotions and poems published and have resubmitted many of them as reprints. But I still get rejections.
No one likes being turned down, but I’ve learned that a large percentage of all submissions will be rejected. Here are some of the reasons:
The magazine just printed a similar article.
Your piece may be well written, but subscribers don’t want to read the same subject matter within the same year.
You didn’t follow the guidelines.
It’s important to send for a copy of the writers’ guidelines for each magazine and read through a few sample copies.
Your article needs to meet the criteria the editor expects: suitable topic, correct word count, right slant, etc.
Inaccurate Research
Be sure to double check your facts. You don’t want to lead your reader astray.
Wrong Format
An editor recognizes that you have done your homework when you submit your piece following the standard format used by writers. If you don’t know how to send in your manuscript, check your local bookstore or library for material to learn the proper procedure. Writing classes and conferences are also great places for learning.
One of the best investments you can make is “Sally Stuart’s Christian Market Guide,” published yearly by Shaw Books. Visit Sally’s website at http://www.stuartmarket.com.
1. Sally’s guide lists magazines by type of market, i.e. women, children, teens, general adult, etc., and their needs. There is also a topical index.
2. Editor’s names, addresses and e-mail addresses are included so you can get guidelines and a sample copy.
3. Sally lists the circulation of each magazine, whether or not the market pays, and what rights it buys. She also states whether the editor prefers submissions by regular mail or e-mail.
4. The guide contains locations and contacts for writers’ groups, workshops, and conferences in each state. Getting together with other writers is a great motivator. If you can’t attend any of these groups, you can meet other writers on line or consider starting a group of your own.
5. Sally lists other resources: editorial services, book publishers, correspondence courses, websites geared to writers, writing instruction on tape, and more.
Locating a suitable market for your polished piece will take time, but when you find one, immediately send your manuscript, along with a short cover letter. If submitting by regular mail, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE).
If you are sending poems, devotions, or short pieces, I suggest including more than one. That gives you a better chance of acceptance.
Keeping track of your submissions is an important part of the process. Record the name of each piece you submit, the date you sent it, and the rights you are offering. Be sure to note the results when you receive an answer. If the publication cannot use your piece, state why. If accepted, jot down when it will be published and what they will pay. Some magazines pay on acceptance, others on publication.
I still keep track of my submissions on index cards. You may find it easier to use a notebook or set up a computer file. Whatever method you choose, be consistent. Many publications take at least ninety days or longer to respond, so while you are waiting., start on your next piece.
Editors are looking for good writers like you and me. Don’t be afraid of them. We just need to use our God-given writing gift to the best of our ability for His glory.
I believe that if you take advantage of these tools and follow these rules, one day you will see your name in print.
Odd Duck Society 