Editors aren’t slutty or monogamous with some established writer. They really do seek for deep and meaningful relationships with us.

On June 4 at the Pitch Panel, it was finally revealed why heart breaking editors dump our love filled submissions.

We emerging writers now know why editors  are just not that into us.

The lovely and fashionable Bethanie Blanchard, introduced editors from all types of publications. They each provided the audience with closure, explaining what went wrong with some submissions and  how that editor/writer relationship can happen!

 

Editor of ‘Kill your Darlings’ Rebecca Starford, stressed that submitters need to know who they are? What they’re into? And the writing they dig?

‘Kill your Darling’ lurrve topics and reviews on books, music, art, theatre and film. The qualities they look for in submissions are creativity and original thinking. They don’t do repeats on published stories.

See a common interest? Then hook up with this funky publication.

 

Caroline Clements from ‘Broadsheet’ is open to all pitchers as long as they get it right!

‘Broadsheet‘ is not into reviews, just pieces that guide their readers through Melbourne.

Don’t be shy to tell Broadsheet about  new restaurants, cafes or fashion outlets peeps need to know about!

There are two publications for Broadsheet- online and print. This means more chances in getting published.

 

Jeff Sparrow from ‘Overland’ might be harder to please. If you’re an emerging writer who likes to butter up editors, Sparrow will know!

Overland is dedicated to publishing the same writers from previous issues, but still have their door wide open for fresh new flavours.

Keep in mind that  the tone is academic and their favourite topic is progressive politics.

 

 

Editor, Caro Cooper from ‘Text Publishing’ doesn’t want you to think they’re horrible people.

“Editors need writers just as much as writers need editors,” she says.

There are just some simple rules that you MUST follow to get in with Text Publishing:

• DO NOT send your work online. They clearly said post your manuscript.
• DO write an outstanding pitch because they only  have one hour and a half to get through  towers of slush piles.
• DO NOT bribe them with cake or send hot pics of yourself. Won’t work.
• DO focus on your synopsis which Cooper suggests getting someone to help you with.

 

Editor, Johannes Jakob from ‘Voiceworks‘, advises you to carefully read their guidelines. You are just another notch on their belt until they see your structured work of art. Jakob will also find out whether you two have a shared value for the publication, otherwise there is no published promise.

 

Catherine McCredie from ‘Penguin’ says  research  blogs, articles and anything to find out what  other writers have gone through to get published.

 

Eileen Berry from ‘The Weekly Review’ pays their contributors a good price. Getting into her good books means don’t call on Thursdays, actually don’t call at all, email and have the will power to wait.

 

Aimee Lindorff from the ‘Australian Writers’ Marketplace’ is kinda like a P.I.M.P without expecting a cut.

Instead, she helps you construct a pitch, providing  you with the lowdown on Australian publishers and editors so that you catch your limelight!

Lindorff states the Australian publishing industry is a small network, so if you screw up your pitch, expect your rep to be screwed too!

 

Managing Editor of ‘Offset’, Alexandra Schleibs is so laid back, your shopping list may even get published.

There is no theme, no distinct audience, so all submissions are read and considered by Offset.

Unlike other editors, Schleibs thinks grammatical errors can cost you a publishing opportunity. She also looks for original and quirky pieces.

So fellow emerging writers, absorb these tips as I’m sure one of these publications is the perfect match for you!

 

Joanna Wysocki - VUBlogSquad