With submitting short stories, most editors don't want to hear/read explanations, they often barely glance at the cover letter until after they've already read the story, or (in the case of rejections) as much of the story as they're ever going to. If the story doesn't sell itself, the only factor that might change their minds is being popular enough that your name on their magazine will increase bookstore sales (or, I suppose, internet clicks).
I wrote this piece because researching the short story market was being difficult and depressing. Any thoughts on how to make it less so?
However, as for job interviews, yes, getting more comfortable with and skilled at that explanation process would be good. (-:
(no subject)
Date: 2009-09-03 03:22 pm (UTC)With submitting short stories, most editors don't want to hear/read explanations, they often barely glance at the cover letter until after they've already read the story, or (in the case of rejections) as much of the story as they're ever going to. If the story doesn't sell itself, the only factor that might change their minds is being popular enough that your name on their magazine will increase bookstore sales (or, I suppose, internet clicks).
I wrote this piece because researching the short story market was being difficult and depressing. Any thoughts on how to make it less so?
However, as for job interviews, yes, getting more comfortable with and skilled at that explanation process would be good. (-: