Hi Patsy and Other Readers. I've just completed an Open University creative writing course and am looking into publishing short stories. Looking to my possible future career, I would like to know about Pocket Novels published by Womags. Specifically, how do I build up the stamina to write a 40,000 word story? At the moment, it's beyond my imagining. Thanks for your time!
I don't think it's so much about building stamina, Reagan, as finding a story you want to write. A 40, 000 word storyline is very different from 40 separate 1,000 word stories.
I wonder, have I just blown it with PF? I emailed them yesterday, to ask if they specifically wanted posted copies or, since they provided an email address on the guidelines for short stories, if email copies were acceptable. They confirmed they only wanted posted submissions. I asked because other guidelines on their website, for say, serials or features were explicit as to whether or not they accept email.
However, I also asked, in the same email, if the 1200, 2000, 3000 were absolute or limits. I've won some writing comps and it's usually a limit (which I stick to). They didn't answer the question, so I asked again and they haven't answered. Because they were both Valentine's stories, I really wanted to get them posted, so I did today. Trouble is, one is 1600'ish and the other is 1800'ish. Can I expect instant rejection now?
12 comments:
Thank you Patsy x
Hi,
I was at a People's Friend writing workshop last week and Shirley Blair (the editor) said 40,000 words for three hundred pounds.
s you know I am knee deep in writing a pocket novel at the moment for MW might try PF next.
@ Denise - thanks for confirming that.
Do PF respond if your story isn't suitable?
Yes, John.
Thanks Patsy
Hi Patsy and Other Readers. I've just completed an Open University creative writing course and am looking into publishing short stories. Looking to my possible future career, I would like to know about Pocket Novels published by Womags. Specifically, how do I build up the stamina to write a 40,000 word story? At the moment, it's beyond my imagining.
Thanks for your time!
I don't think it's so much about building stamina, Reagan, as finding a story you want to write. A 40, 000 word storyline is very different from 40 separate 1,000 word stories.
I wonder, have I just blown it with PF? I emailed them yesterday, to ask if they specifically wanted posted copies or, since they provided an email address on the guidelines for short stories, if email copies were acceptable. They confirmed they only wanted posted submissions. I asked because other guidelines on their website, for say, serials or features were explicit as to whether or not they accept email.
However, I also asked, in the same email, if the 1200, 2000, 3000 were absolute or limits. I've won some writing comps and it's usually a limit (which I stick to). They didn't answer the question, so I asked again and they haven't answered. Because they were both Valentine's stories, I really wanted to get them posted, so I did today. Trouble is, one is 1600'ish and the other is 1800'ish. Can I expect instant rejection now?
Jan, I believe they want writers to stick fairly close to the word counts, so the stories you've sent might not be accepted on that count.
Thank you. I agree, I think I'm expecting a bit of a boomerang reply...
Post a Comment