a word to the wise - Writers Forum

Anonymous · 02-19-2003, 03:49 PM

This last term I had an interisting experience that some of my fellow writers at lit.org may find useful. I worked at a university fiction and poetry journal. It's called "The West Wind Review" and you can find details in "Writer's Market" or other ways. Basically, I sifted through fiction trying to find something to publish and I found very little. Most of what we recieved was very poor grammatically and thematically. Basically, for those of you who are looking to get published, I highly recommend "The West Wind Review". Just be careful about grammar, etc., as there's very little toleration for errors. Based on my experience, I'm going to start sending my work to University fiction journals. I think many of them may be very winnable markets.

Anonymous · 02-26-2003, 12:33 AM

Hi, Thanx for your letter. Interesting to hear other view points on what to read for help. I've been studying the writer's bible."Struck and White's "Elements of Style" I'm a freelance writer and am presentlt teaching a writer's workshop. I've self published my book " A Thought for the Day" Then returned to college and graduated in June--- turned 80 in Nov. LIFE BEGINS AT 70 !!! Connie

Anonymous · 02-28-2003, 09:04 PM

i'm need to write a paper on comtrct and compare having difficult in coiming up with a topic and a papet

Anonymous · 02-28-2003, 09:06 PM

i'm having problems with coming up with a essay on comtract with compare

LadyFlyer · 06-12-2003, 10:47 AM

Perhaps a spelling and grammar course would help??

modified7 · 06-18-2003, 04:30 AM

What is a comtract and a papet? Really wondering.........

nightshade · 06-18-2003, 01:03 PM

editing and reviewing submissions for cnd has really opened my eyes to the fact that most writers don't have even basic grammar knowledge. the apostrophe seems to be the bain of their existence. they're very rarely used. and spelling. in this day and age everyone should have access to a word program with a spellchecker.

at my alma mater, as a music major i was required to take basic music theory. artists have to take art 101, and science majors have to ace the basics. but english? no grammar courses needed. just declare 'i am an english major' and you're a writer. it's insane.

speculative · 02-10-2004, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

but english? no grammar courses needed. just declare 'i am an english major' and you're a writer. it's insane.

I soooooooooo hear you! My roommate and I edited our friend's first paper. Our friend was an "English Major." His first sentence ran the length of the page and half of the next.

I thought writing for the school paper might be fun. I submitted a 100% grammatically correct new article of 150 words, exactly the amount I was allowed. It was shortened to 140 words, and not a single sentence I had written remained after the editor preyed upon it. There were a few additions, however... in the form of no less than 14 grammatical, formatting, and spelling errors that the editor had created!

Needless to say, I did not write for that half-ring circus again...

-speculative

StoneGarden · 02-16-2004, 10:17 PM

Sadly, that does seem true. A goodly portion of the submissions I receive have to be sent back due to improper grammar. I don't find that peoples have a hard time using apostrophes, but they can't seem to find ending punctuation for their sentences. PLEASE grammar and spell check before sending something to ANY magazine, publisher...etc. You will have a better chance of getting published, and the editor will be much happier.

Ozmandius · 06-08-2004, 10:23 PM

"editing and reviewing submissions for cnd has really opened my eyes to the fact that most writers don't have even basic grammar knowledge. the apostrophe seems to be the bain of their existence. they're very rarely used. and spelling. in this day and age everyone should have access to a word program with a spellchecker."

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you irony defined: a complete rant on other people's poor grammar habits that fails to use even a single capitalized letter, or proper punctuation. Oh, and you misspelled "bane" too.

Oz

Airborneguy · 06-11-2004, 03:28 PM

I can't remember who said it in another thread, but man, this summed it all up:

Basically, if you want to be an "artist" go ahead and fill up your closet full of useless writing. If you want to be "published" learn the correct way to apply your art.

northerain · 06-15-2004, 07:41 PM

no writing is useless...and yes, i prefer beeing an ''artist'', even if only my cat reads my stories(and i can tell you, she's a mean critic).I aint writing no pansy fantasy stories starring legolas rip-offs just so i can ''grab the public''.

Hail to all the failed writers!

Alex · 08-01-2004, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seanspacey

This last term I had an interisting experience that some of my fellow writers at lit.org may find useful. I worked at a university fiction and poetry journal. It's called "The West Wind Review" and you can find details in "Writer's Market" or other ways. Basically, I sifted through fiction trying to find something to publish and I found very little. Most of what we recieved was very poor grammatically and thematically. Basically, for those of you who are looking to get published, I highly recommend "The West Wind Review". Just be careful about grammar, etc., as there's very little toleration for errors. Based on my experience, I'm going to start sending my work to University fiction journals. I think many of them may be very winnable markets.

Good suggestion... but how does one go about finding the information to get in contact with the editors?