From Writer to Editor: The Other side of the Fence

I hate some of the more complicated guidelines, when submitting my work. Although, I always do my best to follow them. At least I have a better understanding of some of them now. In December of last year, I decided to start my own journal. In January, I sent out the call for submissions.

I didn’t ask for too much, or so I thought. I requested that writers submit no more than three pieces in a word document, and their details, bio and titles of the pieces in the body of the email. I even stated the reason why; the submissions are read blindly. Of course, I know the names of the people who have sent work, that can’t be helped. The other two submission readers don’t know, after I copy and paste everything into a word document. Sometime, by the time I read the word document — I’ve forgotten the writer of each piece.

I’ve had submissions with 4 pieces attached. One case was a misunderstanding which was my fault. The rest were the fault of the writers who either didn’t read the guidelines, or decided they would just send an extra piece anyway. With the exception of the one that was my fault, I only put the first three into the submission pile.

I’ve had people send the bio and contact details in the word doc, or even headline each page with their name or other identifying details. I edit these out when putting…