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Being a writing diva is really rather easy. Just throw a tantrum at
every comma an editor moves, every sentence that's reworked, every
grammatical adjustment that's made to your story-your baby-just before
publication. When a rejection letter sails in, scream at the cat:
"What-my writing isn't good enough?" Then toss the offending
notice in the waste bin. Go shopping to dull the pain.
Sound crazy? Obnoxious? Familiar?
As an editor and freelance writer, I've been
on both sides of diva-dom. I've felt the thrill of editing an article
down to its golden core, and the sting of seeing my own work bloodied
by an editor's red pen. Both experiences have taught me that
succeeding as a writer has nothing to do with making demands. If you
want to be a successful writer, ditch the diva act and start doing
things the writer's way.
Handling
rejection
Divas believe the world revolves around them
and perhaps if you're Paris Hilton, it does. Writing divas take
rejection personally, interpreting the "thank you, but no"
as an attack on their good names, their good intentions, their
"hot" writing.
I work as a communications specialist for a
federal agency and edit a variety of publications, including employee
newsletters. Often I have to turn down a submission for reasons
unrelated to the quality of the writing or to how much I like the
writer. Perhaps the topic didn't fit that month's theme or a lengthy
essay came in when I needed a how-to article. You'd think this insight
would have better prepared me when I began to freelance. But when that
first rejection slip arrived in the mail, I was overcome with
disappointment and disbelief. Stuck in my stupor, I missed blatant
clues that could have told me why my work was rejected or given me
contacts for future submissions. I failed to see the potential
"yes" behind the "no."
Since then I've learned that even the most
curt and canned rejection slip contains useful information, if only
that my submission and this publication, this time, were not a match.
So I found out why.
Does the letter contain a specific reason or
even a list of reasons for the rejection? Often, an editor will
scribble a note in the margin to explain what he saw or didn't see in
a submission. Consider this as gospel. Rarely will an editor take time
to write something unless he sees some potential. Rally back with a
thank you note and mention you'll be trying again in the near future.
Then recheck the publication and compare your
article to others that made it to print. Modify your article and
resubmit (if requested), or send a second query with a more tempting
topic for the editor's tastes. The best antidote for the sting of
rejection is the joy of getting back in the game.
Sharing
Ideas
Some writing divas can't even spell the
word "collaboration." They hoard their ideas and stow their
stories, letting them out to breathe only when submitting them to an
editor's casting desk. I was so fearful that my first few stories
would be stolen and published without my consent that I wouldn't give
away the ending even in a query. Instead, I did the diva tease:
"Want to know how it ends? Call me!" If feeling particularly
coquettish, I'd add a smiley face for effect. After all, who could
resist such charm?
Editors, that's who.
And besides that, my stories got stale and my
ideas dried up without the creative input of other writers. Even
reading favorite authors and studying their mastery of the craft is
quality time shared with other writers. Feedback, fellowships, jokes
in a coffee shop-all would have inspired me more than quietly sipping
tea and writing by myself. Divas tend to crave the spotlight and shun
the very reader audience they hope to inspire, they forget how to
share.
Stories are meant to be shared; ideas meant
to be expressed. Perhaps you've had an idea bouncing around in your
head-maybe even on paper-but the development never quite happened.
Dust it off and show it to other writers when they mention they've
been struggling with finding new topics. You've got one-why not let
them use it? Then the next time you're facing the pallor of a blank
page, speak up and ask for some creative assistance. Those same
writing friends will be happy to return the favor.
Sharing the magic doesn't diminish the energy
but enlivens it, instead. Even the act of writing alongside another
writer can inject energy into your work. Make writing dates with one
of your friends and see how many pages you can fill between lattes.
Then read aloud to each other. When your pen pal leans forward and
says with wide-eyed eagerness, "And then what happens?"
you'll be glad you're not alone.
Getting published
When I first started freelancing, I had the
expectation that my work would be published in the same grocery store
magazines I'd read since puberty. After all (I thought with all the
confidence of an only child), my writing was just as good as any
others in print. But even a diva's best-laid plans are spun by
reality. My submissions reaped a stack of rejection letters from the
kingdom of women's magazines, one queen-bee editor even deigning to
explain that she accepted articles only from established writers.
Well, I never!
And I never would, until I realized that I
like everyone else with a dream, I had to earn it. Learning that
neighborhood publications often favor local writers, I started
collecting copies of my local newspapers, searching their pages for a
corner I could fill. I found their acceptance rate a bit more
gratifying.
Another way successful writers increase
publishing opportunities is by joining a writer's group. You'll not
only receive excellent feedback on your writing, but you'll get leads
for where to submit your work. Then when one of your articles is
published, keep a few copies for your friends, family and your file of
clips. But under no circumstances should you make 500 copies and push
them on everyone you've known since grade school. (Save that strategy
for when you write your book.)
Working
with editors
Writing divas believe they know
everything there is to know about their craft and don't need help from
others, thank you very much. The first time I received a manuscript
back with the editor's changes, I blanched. My just-right words were
"out of order" on the page. I grabbed my husband and recited
my version then the edited version, interjecting "Are they
high?" every three or four sentences. At the end of my tirade I
whined, "Don't you think mine was better?"
When I saw the hesitation in his eyes, the
panic at having to decide between speaking the truth or sleeping on
the couch, I knew I'd hit bottom. My job as an editor had taught me
there's always room for improvement in even the most perfect prose,
yet that insight was lost on my own work.
Instead of feeling the sting of the edits, I
should have looked at the editor's intent. What was missing from my
text? What was too wordy that needed to be tucked in? I should have
stepped back and seen the edited version for what it was: an
improvement.
If an editor is sending you a preview copy
prior to print, she is giving you an opportunity to rework the article
and make it better. Divas are possessive of their work and consider
change the enemy. Successful writers take advantage of constructive
feedback to instill their writing with additional energy and
perspective.
Funny thing-I'm getting more assignments these days and fewer
rejections. That plus chocolate helps curb the diva urge that still
creeps up now and then.
I admit it was fun while it lasted: reaping
all the attention, indulging in pity parties and high caloric food
while living in the sweet state of denial. Fun, yes, but not
productive. In the end I decided instead of being a writing diva, I'd
rather be a successful writer.
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