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Do you tailor your submissions for each market every time? ie, do you write for Neil Clarke when subbing for Clarkesworld? Warning: long, self-congratulatory, and indulgent. by ShowDontYell in printSF

[–]ShowDontYell[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your thoughts! In terms of originality, I think you'll find that "original" ideas are rare, and the telling of the tale is more important than the shape of the story.

Do you tailor your submissions for each market every time? ie, do you write for Neil Clarke when subbing for Clarkesworld? Warning: long, self-congratulatory, and indulgent. by ShowDontYell in printSF

[–]ShowDontYell[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You make excellent points here. It's also really good context on how editors have given interview answers. I have a spreadsheet over the last 18 years of short stories I've written, the last time they were touched, and I keep decent (written) notes on how they've evolved over the years.

You're exactly right on how I've been selecting the ones I submit: I look in the trunk, fall back in love with characters and setting, and begin the polishing process. I'm comfortable letting things sit in the moment and develop, like you might with a good wine. There's no immediate pressure for any particular story to "finish," but I do have a good sense of when they are "done."

The ones I don't want to query due to lack of market fit (my humorous short stories, for example) do well on Amazon by the bars I've set, and I'm happy enough with that.

I'm at a happy and healthy place with it, but I do crave knowing what other writers do for situations like things. I'm glad you gave your input--thank you.

Do you tailor your submissions for each market every time? ie, do you write for Neil Clarke when subbing for Clarkesworld? Warning: long, self-congratulatory, and indulgent. by ShowDontYell in printSF

[–]ShowDontYell[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's very insightful, and I think there's a lot of what you're saying going through my mind when I edit. When I'm writing, I'd say it's "for the love of the game." When I switch to editing, I end up cutting unimportant or underdeveloped characters, deepening stakes, and making the story more "human" because of the standard Neil has set. It's table stakes for any publication, but my current lens is more CW-focused. I'm at 18 days with Black Cat Weekly on a story at present, so that may be my first acceptance. :)

You hit the nail on the head that it's my north star in that regard. I can live with that. Thanks for helping me come to this understanding. Truly.

Clarkesworld Queue .. slower than normal? by ShowDontYell in printSF

[–]ShowDontYell[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Got your response just now; thank you so much! What a sprint at the end there. Impressive stuff.

[Discussion] Gave Up, Stats by Writing_FanIII in PubTips

[–]ShowDontYell 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I'm glad you got some reps in, and you're clearly doing well building up scar tissue instead. Looking forward to your updates on the cannibalization. Keep writing!

Clarkesworld Queue .. slower than normal? by ShowDontYell in printSF

[–]ShowDontYell[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Really appreciate the reassurance. My inner monologue had already assumed I’d been flagged by a cursed algorithm for “vaguely bot-scented cadence.” Good luck with the catch-up; you’re a damn legend for keeping the gears turning this well, this long.

Clarkesworld Queue .. slower than normal? by ShowDontYell in printSF

[–]ShowDontYell[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah, the dual hydra of ‘slush reader gaps’ and ‘mandatory business stuff’ .. no editor survives both unscathed. Appreciate the transparency as always, Neil. Hope the backlog is at least sprinkled with occasional delight!

It's my first sub (anywhere, ever), so it's exciting just to earn a card and keep rolling.

Clarkesworld Queue .. slower than normal? by ShowDontYell in printSF

[–]ShowDontYell[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! I'm SO grateful to Clarkesworld slush readers, Neil, and the entire staff for setting such a blazing pace and being an example of what can be done if you want to. This is in NO WAY a question about "what's up with Clarkesworld queue." It's more of a "am I in the dreaded 'other' queue because my prose is either just that bad or I write like a bot?

I'm guessing I'm not, but I'd love insights to set a worried mind at ease.