Laurawrites.net

Even in a world as “intellectually superior,” as literature, there are pretensions, ignorance, and unwarranted assumptions. Once upon a time, the main goal in writing was to be published. In modern publishing, writers have easier access to a spectrum of publications and a far better chance of being published.

Of course, now, being published isn’t enough in many circles. Now it’s how you’re published. This will continue and there’s no changing many people. Remember the classic Dr. Seuss story of the, “star-bellied sneetches?” There are ignorant individuals who believe if you aren’t published according to their own personal requirements, you aren’t “really” an author. You will meet non-fiction professionals who believe fiction is inferior and no matter your publication level in fiction, that work won’t “count.”

Most major writing organizations won’t take you seriously unless you can provide evidence of some sort. This arbitrary practice shouldn’t affect your writing goals. It is their requirements solely for their group and does not have any unusual influence on your odds of publication.

Major writing organizations have their guidelines posted on their web sites. Generally, you have to work with the publishers they list, you have to make the income they want, and often, you must bend-over-backwards to meet their guidelines to be accepted. Merit and literary skills alone do not hold any influence because these organizations assume all writers who get published are superior to those who don’t. Is this true? No.

Should you worry about it? No. If you don’t meet their requirements, you’ll do better finding acceptance elsewhere. If you start worrying over what other people think you won’t be able to carve out a niche for yourself.