Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Guest Post: Why I Read Submissions, Anna Madden



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.