I have lots of editors on my flist...

[agilebrit]

and one of them is the handsome and talented Nick Mamatas, also known as nihilistic_kid. And sometimes they have entries of interest to writers, such as this one, in which he laments what he refers to as "fantatwee"--fantasy that's, for lack of a better word, cutesy. In fact, I sent him the BeeFic, and the complimented me on the fact that it wasn't cutesy--and rejected it anyway for other reasons.

That being said, just because it's not right for one market doesn't mean it's not right for another. What will garner a rejection from Clarkesworld, Nick points out, often garners a sale from Fantasy. So, tailoring subs to markets is important too.

The handsome and talented slushmaster, who is the slush reader for Realms of Fantasy, explodes some myths here, and talks about the futility of arguing with editors here.

Comments

[ezagaaikwe.livejournal.com]

That was interesting (and a little scary). My feeling about that Jaq is "you're selling and they're buying, and the 'customer' is always right."

[sunnyd-lite.livejournal.com]

I love your links on the publishing world!

[neo-prodigy.livejournal.com]

Having submitted and published some pieces, I've encountered some great markets and some really bad markets.

However, even with the crappiest markets, whether I agreed or disagreed with an editor (and with the bad markets I will say that a few of them were dead wrong), I never would've even thought about arguing with an editor.

*Shakes head in amazement.*

[agilebrit.livejournal.com]

I know! Who ARE these people? And who stole their brains? And then there are the folks who think guidelines don't apply to them...and don't just argue, but are name-calling brats about it. (scroll down to below the HR for that particular piece of nonsense)

I understand a polite inquiry from an overseas author asking a market if they'll take an e-sub. I don't have a problem with that. But No means No, dudes, and you're not going to show an editor the error of his/her ways by arguing.

[neo-prodigy.livejournal.com]

*jaw hits ground*

WTF? You know I heard horror stories about asshole writers like the one illustrated. I thought it was just an urban legend because clearly no one could be that big of an ass. This is what I get for having faith in humanity. That'll learn me.

Here's a thought, if you think a market's guidelines are unreasonable, don't submit. Take your business elsewhere.

Just a thought.

[agilebrit.livejournal.com]

No, no! The guidelines aren't for HIM! He's a Special Snowflake! He's been published all over the world! The guidelines will bend to his will.

I can only hope that those of us who aren't jerkfaces will stand out in the crowd. I'm sorry I killed your faith in humanity. :(

[neo-prodigy.livejournal.com]

Don't apologize. You didn't kill my faith in humanity. Special snowflakes like him did. ;D