Hello from the Writing Attic!

I know. I know! Where did the newsletter go?

Look, all I can say is we’re in an ever-changing pandemic-infused world where shit goes sideways faster than you can blink and mental health is at a premium and the key to success in this brave new world is just to remain flexible, drink some water, and survive.

When I started this newsletter, I had a grand dream that I would send it out twice a month, scheduled in advance for Thursdays at 10:15 am. Then the library re-opened, I jumped into freelance, jumped back to the library (more on that in a sec), realized I had been working my way to a steady burnout which peaked last month when I got COVID and decided to say fuck it, clear the plate. So I’ve been clearing the plate.

I mentioned that I returned to the library. Most of you likely already know this, but for those of you who do not: I’m back full time at the public library and I’m happier than ever.

Every professional decision I’ve ever made has been centered around the conundrum of how to support a writing life. You all know that prioritizing time for writing is not easy. Building a life where you have the creative space to write is a feat. When we went into this pandemic, I experienced what it was to have the luxury of time for the first time in a long time. And when the library started opening back up and I felt my time shrinking, I thought the best way to support my writing life was to go freelance. This turned out to be a miscalculation.

Freelancing full-time thoroughly fucked my writing routine. My book stalled completely, I was torn between way too many projects, and most of all, I missed my library community. Librarianship is not just a career, it’s a vocation. I didn’t realize how committed I was to it until I left it. So, in order to protect my writing and, frankly, my mental health, I went back to my day job and haven’t looked back.

So what does this mean for clients? I’m still freelancing. Still editing, still happy to consult, still pitching writing for pay. But I’m just going to be very choosy about the projects I do take on and will require longer lead time to complete them. What can I say? It’s a pandemic, people.

And I will still write this newsletter with the Writers Ask and Submission Success features! But more like once a month and it comes when it comes. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I hope you’ve all been well! Take care of yourselves. Now let’s gossip.

Writers Ask: What do I do when two publications are interested in the same piece?

Most publications will allow you to simultaneously submit one piece to several different journals at a time. The etiquette, should you receive an acceptance, is to immediately notify all the publications who are considering that same piece that it has been accepted elsewhere and withdraw it from their consideration.

But every once in a while, lightning strikes. Observe:

From Kim:

The situation: I co-wrote a memoir with X and we started submitting excerpts. Got a great bite from (BIG PUB), then got ghosted by the editor there. No more bites. Then on Monday, we heard back from (editor) at (COOL PUB):

"If the work is still available, we're interested in some further conversation. Our editorial team found the writing muscular and moving, but we were also a bit puzzled by questions of authorship.

Can you tell us more about the collaboration?…” (This submission was from 11/2020)

I wrote back with answers to her questions and am waiting for a reply. Then today we heard from (NEAT PUB 2):

"We love this piece and would be honored if we could publish it in the Nov/Dec edition of (NEAT PUB 2) with just a little bit of editing work between you and me...I'd love it if you could respond directly to this message to let me know either way.”  (This submission was from 3/2021)

So now I need to figure out how to weigh (COOL PUB)’s maybe and the fact that they replied first with (NEAT PUB 2)’s enthusiastic yes, in a way that might not close any doors initially. I want to be transparent and ethical, but I also don’t want to mess up and lose both opportunities. This situation is entirely new to me. I know NOTHING about the lit mag world and would love any guidance you could offer.

Kim sent this conundrum a few weeks ago. Here’s what I suggested:

Congratulations on getting such great responses! The first thing to do is to email (COOL PUB) again and let them know that you have an offer of publication from another magazine and you'll need to know by X date if they're a yes at (COOL PUB). I would put in the subject line: "Offer received - Time-sensitive" in front of your usual subject line and mark it high priority so they know it needs to be addressed ASAP. If they don't get back by your deadline, you can email (NEAT PUB 2) to let them know you accept.

I wouldn't email (NEAT PUB 2) back yet until you hear from (COOL PUB). I would give (COOL PUB) three business days to respond. Then email (NEAT PUB 2) with your answer, whatever it is. If (COOL PUB) takes it, you can let (NEAT PUB 2) know that the story was in talks at (COOL PUB) and just accepted. If (COOL PUB) doesn't take it, just respond to (NEAT PUB 2) with a happy yes! When it rains, it pours.

So what happened? (COOL PUB) responded to her offer email with congratulations and said they would pass. (NEAT PUB 2) will be happily publishing the piece forthwith.

Long story short, shit happens, editors are people too, and at the end of the day we’re all just trying to do a job and get some art out in the world. Just because conversation isn’t a usual part of submitting to literary journals (it’s usually a form reject or happy accept) doesn’t mean that you can’t email the editor when you do have an unusual situation arise. Just email wisely. ;)

Congrats Kim and I can’t wait to see the piece in print!

Must-Read: “The Ambiguous Loss of (Probably) Not Selling My Novel” at Lit Hub

This one got me. Our novel submission stories are pretty similar — I too went on submission with my novel in January 2020 only to have all that exciting momentum be dashed by the pandemic. It’s nearly two years later and the book is still in limbo. It sucks, but it’s a part of writing life, one that doesn’t get talked about too much. Commiserate and enjoy!

Celebrations Required!

• Super duper special congratulations to Kate Stone, who took my Business of Writing class this past summer, pitched her piece and got published (and paid)! Read her essay, “Lessons from my seven year-old’s first triathalon” over at Triathlete.

• I had an opportunity to write more about deciding to return to the library and vocational joy. Read my essay, “(Don’t) find your joy” over at the Nashville Scene.

So long, farewell!

(Psst… Like what you read in this newsletter? Toss a tip in the virtual tip jar.
Venmo: @lisa-bubert)