Of course they include inspiring teaching and the chance to meet other writers, but there's a benefit you may not be aware of. Della tells me that attending one of the workshops allows the writer to submit their fiction to Woman's Weekly. Currently, unless you're already on the list of approved contributors (you'll know if you are) this is the only way to have your fiction considered for Woman's Weekly.
See here for details of magazines which consider work by writers, whether or not they've had previous publishing success.
5 comments:
I suppose attending a workshop does show that the writer is serious and willing to work on their stories, but that seems a little unfair on those writers who don't live near enough or who can't afford it. I am lucky enough to be 'on the list' but feel sorry for those new writers who don't have the luxury that we had of just writing a story and sending it off. I know that times have changed and print mags struggle to survive, but still.
What about those of us who went on a workshop before 'the list' was started up? Shouldn't we have been put on it it as well?
It's really interesting that those who attend the workshops are eligible to submit to Woman's Weekly. I went on the historical fiction course in 2016 but it wasn't mentioned so I never considered the possibility. I was keen to learn more about writing historical fiction and I found the course really useful, both in terms of learning, meeting other writers, and actually just spending the entire day focussing on writing which is a rarity. i wonder if this has only recently been decided for those attending the current courses? Completely agree with the first comment, though. The course I wanted to go on was in London which would be difficult for those who don't have the funds. Writing short stories for the woman market is increasingly difficult with unsolicited markets being closed. I understand the need to make the magazines more efficient in these difficult times but there is lots of talent out there which could remain untapped.
@ Anonymous 1 - yes, it does that a writer is trying hard to produce stories which will suit WW. I went on one of the very first courses, long before the restrictions on submitting came in and Gaynor said to mention on the covering letter that'd we'd attended the course, so it seemed she thought it was an indication of that.
@ Anonymous 2 - yes, I'd have thought so. It might be worth asking if you can submit.
@Wannabe - I heard of people who'd booked to go on a workshop before the change of submission policy and were very unhappy, thinking they'd be wasting their time and money if they went. It's possible that's why attendees are able to submit stories.
I'm like @ Anonymous 1. I went for two workshops last year before the change in submissions. And I agree it's a bit cheeky to change submission after taking one's coins. And there were some people doing a lot courses, trying to break that market. After all the only reason why most of us went was to see the editor's preference and preferred style. I'd already completed a short writing course previously.
I guess, I'll just attach my invitation as proof whenever I'm ready. I also went to the People's Friend's which was also awesome with a free lunch included! And again one learns the difference in editorial preference, so it's worth doing these workshop if just to get an insight to the publication. Saying that WW may have changed with the change in editor.
Post a Comment