This week, our guest is Anna Madden, who is a writer and First Line Reader for DreamForge. She shares with us why she started to read submissions, and what it has taught her about reading, writing, and rejection.
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Why I Read Submissions
by Anna Madden
When I first started reading
submissions, or slushing, I was second-guessing the editor’s
decision. I didn’t feel I had earned the right to judge other
writers, whether they were hopeful newcomers or those already
established in their craft, their prose like shining gems. Not to
mention the gods, floating high above, untouchable with their
numerous publishing credits and recognizable names.
I saw myself both as an imposter and a
dream crusher. I spent so much time agonizing about ratings and
comments I had given out. Who was I to decide the fates of these
creations?
It took a while to quiet the voice of
doubt. My ratings were being checked, so I could learn the system and
breathe. I realized it was okay to call for backup if a story was
more difficult to rate. If a well-known writer submitted in, I
learned to voice my honest opinion, whether I liked their work or
not, and not fear my hand would get smacked or that I would be
accused of blasphemy.
For some stories, reading a couple
pages is enough to know it’s not ready for publication. I started
to find patterns like this. Still, I also started realizing it wasn’t
so black and white as: this submission is badly written and this one
is brilliant. There will be unlikable main characters, average,
not-quite memorable plots, or too much telling. Those same stories
can showcase a creative world or a unique conflict. All fiction tends
to a strength and a weakness. Good stories have multiple strengths. I
think the real question being asked is: do the strengths outweigh the
weak spots?
The truth is, the competition is so
intense. There are unarguably great writers who receive rejections
right alongside the rest. There isn’t a golden rule that says a
good story will automatically be accepted. There are only so many
slots and so much money. A submission might make it into the
consideration pile, then have the bad luck of being too similar to
something else submitted three days later, or just not be quite what
the editor is looking for at that moment. I’ve grieved over stories
that received rejections, and I’ve fought for them (civilly, of
course, without drawing blood).
Before I read submissions, I did
wonder, what are the reasons for rejection? It’s not a simple
answer because it varies from one piece to another. Something might
be well-written but not quite on theme for the publication. Several
first readers might agree about how beautiful the prose is, but the
voice could be too passive or the ending too flat. The list goes on
and on.
At first, I thought this job would be
an opportunity to improve my own writing. It has been, but it’s
offered many other benefits I hadn’t originally considered. I’ve
met other writers who read submissions alongside me. I’ve networked
with them, exchanged work, and built friendships. A peek
behind-the-scenes made me realize first readers are humans rather
than robots out to destroy souls. Often, I like something in each
piece I read. One writer will have an obvious gift for voice, another
for world-building, and so forth. The beauty of it all, for me, is
getting to see the process up close.
My Top Five Tips:
1. Read examples of the publication to
get idea of what is being selected.
2. This seems an obvious one, but
follow the submission format requested. If a story is difficult to
read it earns a quicker no.
3. Work on a good opening hook.
Beginnings are so important! I stop when I know the story isn’t
right. It is often by page two to three.
4. If feedback is given, chew on it. I
get rejections too, and I know it’s rough in the moment. Still,
it’s a gift, because it’s invaluable advice on where to improve.
It’s meant to aid, not to chide.
5. Keep positive, be professional, and
keep submitting! A publication might reject one story, then select
another at a later date.
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Anna Madden is a speculative fiction writer living in Fort Worth, Texas. In her free time, she loves to garden too, and has been planting new roses into her flower beds faster than she can find space for them. Her slush experiences come from being a first line reader for DreamForge Magazine, where she also has fiction published in Issue 4 (Dec 2019). Follow her on Twitter, like her Facebook page or visit her website.
