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For Writers: Reality Bites |
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Wednesday, 28 November 2007 |
One reality we writers have to face when submitting our manuscript is that we are subject to an editor’s ‘chopping block’ or 'slicing pen', so to speak. Thus, when we write, we have to revise, revise, revise, even before we send off that final (in our thinking) draft. This is our responsibility, and our commitment to that piece of paper and pen. Even then, once it has been submitted, it will again be subjected to more editing and/or revision, either by the editor him/herself or a team of editors. That is their responsibility.
That is the better side of it. Worse case is, it could be returned to the writer if the stuff is good but still needs more tweaking, more depth, more quality, more research, and more 'whatever they require'; with a deadline.
Worst case scenario is, at first glance of the editor, it goes straight to the trash can! Rejection - big time!
Thus, the mere fact that my manuscript gets published despite many revisions and late night musings, is something to be joyful and thankful about. It is not something that should make me disappointed or angry, rather it should spur me on to do better the next time. And to study what the editors want and in what way they want it delivered to them, keeping in mind that editors abide by the principles and guidelines of the publication they are working for.
Now if we really do not want all that fuss, then we can thank God for weblogs a.k.a. blogs and personal homepages. There we are not subject to any editorial procedures but then again we are subject to user agreements and rules of the server hosts, ISPs, and site owners.
The bottom line is that writing to be published comes with a responsibility; that’s Writing 101. A reality we have to face. |
