So, a short story I've written, called "Mama Sweet" is currently with Dark Discoveries magazine, and it is exciting because a) I got a real response, as opposed to the form rejection I was expecting, and, b) it wasn't a rejection. In fact, the reason they contacted me, was to let me know that they are actually considering my story for publication, but advised that it might take a while for them to make a final decision on it. Then comes the wait.
If they accept the story, it would be my first paid publication as a horror writer. That's exciting as hell, and nerve-wracking as all get-out. I keep wanting to check my email every five minutes just to make sure I haven't missed anything. How do other writers do this without giving themselves ulcers? I've given it some thought, and actually read the advice from established authors on this very point. Most of them make a point of reminding the up-and-comer that the publishing world takes time, whether in a magazine, or with a publisher looking to put books on shelves. You only have to worry about one book or article. They have to slog through thousands! As a result, the general wait time is usually part of any magazine or publisher's submissions guideline. Learn what that time is, and know that in most cases, that's going to be fairly accurate, though it wouldn't hurt to tack on a little extra time.
The very best thing you can do for yourself while you're waiting to hear back? Write something else. Keep moving, keep being productive. I have now written two short stories since I learned that I might be getting published. I've also completed the illustrations on my second issue of Fried Pickle Noir (coming soon to a comic convention near you!!!) and have revamped and submitted my proposal package for my first novel, The Raggedy Man. In the next month or so, I plan on hitting the re-writes started on my second novel, not to mention completing the illustrations on my third and fourth issues of FPN. And...
Get the picture? Rather than drive myself nuts waiting to hear from Dark Discoveries, I focus my energies on producing more work. DD will either accept the work, or they won't. If they do...great! I will do my happy dance and be ready to continue submitting other things. If they don't, I will give myself the obligatory 5-10 minute pity party...and then figure out somewhere else to submit that story. Wanna be a writer? This is what it takes, so just get used to it.
Now, if you'll excuse me...
I gotta go check my email.
Chris
If they accept the story, it would be my first paid publication as a horror writer. That's exciting as hell, and nerve-wracking as all get-out. I keep wanting to check my email every five minutes just to make sure I haven't missed anything. How do other writers do this without giving themselves ulcers? I've given it some thought, and actually read the advice from established authors on this very point. Most of them make a point of reminding the up-and-comer that the publishing world takes time, whether in a magazine, or with a publisher looking to put books on shelves. You only have to worry about one book or article. They have to slog through thousands! As a result, the general wait time is usually part of any magazine or publisher's submissions guideline. Learn what that time is, and know that in most cases, that's going to be fairly accurate, though it wouldn't hurt to tack on a little extra time.
The very best thing you can do for yourself while you're waiting to hear back? Write something else. Keep moving, keep being productive. I have now written two short stories since I learned that I might be getting published. I've also completed the illustrations on my second issue of Fried Pickle Noir (coming soon to a comic convention near you!!!) and have revamped and submitted my proposal package for my first novel, The Raggedy Man. In the next month or so, I plan on hitting the re-writes started on my second novel, not to mention completing the illustrations on my third and fourth issues of FPN. And...
Get the picture? Rather than drive myself nuts waiting to hear from Dark Discoveries, I focus my energies on producing more work. DD will either accept the work, or they won't. If they do...great! I will do my happy dance and be ready to continue submitting other things. If they don't, I will give myself the obligatory 5-10 minute pity party...and then figure out somewhere else to submit that story. Wanna be a writer? This is what it takes, so just get used to it.
Now, if you'll excuse me...
I gotta go check my email.
Chris
RSS Feed
