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What not to do
I was excessively lonely tonight. It sucked. I called Antoine at Creighton's, and he later told me I sounded like a puppy someone left in the rain. Buuuut, by using my phone and chatting online, I pulled through. Yay for technology, I guess. Also, my room got cleaner! It was a win.
Apparently, today was Sexist Day, and nobody told me. I got to open all the mail today at Bleak House (the book publishing company at which I intern), and several of our letters were addressed, "Dear Sir," or "Dear Sirs." When we reply to people's query letters, we always write right on top of the query letter. So, I took the opportunity to circle "Sir," and write, That's a little presumptuous, isn't it?
The real kicker was one person who submitted a story in which the protagonist was related to sports. The query letter said, and I shit you not, If there is a man on your staff he should read it first. There is a lot of swearing in it and this is the way coaches and players talk. Hey, buddy? It's the way I fucking talk. I couldn't believe the audacity of that person. Who does that?! Way to make a first impression. Ass.
So, here's my first tip on trying to get your stuff published:
Don't be sexist.
I guess I could go ahead and post the rest of my advice, after a summer of interning there:
- Follow directions. We ask for everyone to submit a 1-page query letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you don't include the envelope, we won't reply, unless your submission is dripping with gold. Also, sending chapters/entire manuscripts we didn't ask for is usually a waste of time. Especially if you sign your submission as Satan (yes, that happened).
- Know who you're submitting to. If the publishing house specializes in mysteries and crime fiction, don't send your multi-volume epic on the life of a pirate, your religious propaganda on Susie Housewife, or your revision of the story of Beowulf. It's a waste of time for the publisher, and it's a waste of money for you in terms of postage, printing, and envelopes.
- Nobody cares what your major is or where you went to college. Personally, I don't care if your profession is relevant to the plot of your book, either. All we care about is how good your writing is. Trying to jack-up your query letter (which is supposed to be about your story) just makes you sound pompous.
- If there's going to be sex in your story, fine. Just make sure there's a point.
That's it, really. The rest is up to you. Avoid cliches, because they are teh lame.
Current Music: Elevator Music - BeckLabels: books, feminism, work scribbled mystickeeper at 11:32 PM 
5 comments
5 Comments:
Are you trying to make me feel guilty for keeping your 'Toine away?
Your story reminds me of a running joke between me & Carolyn. We've seen a number of movies or tv shows where lady characters are incompetent for no apparent reason other the fact that they're female. Our general way of pointing it out when it happens is to yell "I LAUGH AT YOUR LACK OF A PENIS".
Gordons: Yeah, actually the guy did warn us that sex was in his story, too. 'CAUSE, YOU KNOW, ONLY MEN HAVE SEX. Seriously, wtf.
Creighton: Yes, guilt was my total goal! Actually, in general, I approve of Antoine hanging out with people who are not me. But sometimes, I just get all...OMG, I WANT TO LOOK AT HOW CUTE HE IS! and am that indignant that he is not ready to appear at the drop of a hat. So annoying.
Yeah. Sexism in media, and society in general, is pretty rampant. Also, disgusting.
I read this post aloud to my roommates and we all quite enjoyed it.
Want to come visit sometime? I miss you.
Gordon: I met you like once but...WHOA DUDE! lol
Jackie: Best post ever!
JENNY: I totally got lost in Milwaukee last weekend. I was really close to calling you!
BYE WHORES!
Thanks, Ryan! lol.
Jennifer: Yes, what the hell, it's been too long since we've seen one another. Or anyone, for that matter! We should arrange a massive GB reunion and make Ryan, Dave, and Kristy come, too. It would pwn!
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