Chapter 3, Publication and Survival Summary and Analysis

The young writer should focus on learning to write well enough to justify publication but, being naturally unsure, needs tangible reassurance by "real" people like editors and readers. Most letters of rejection are perfunctory and often off-the-mark but show the editor's interest, and making suggested changes can lead to acceptance. The ego is less damaged if one understands the editing process. Most rejected writing is simply not good enough to make it past the "slush-pile reader." Sometimes good writing gets rejected by a good editor on a bad day or one who has grown jaded. Some pieces do not fit a given publishing house's niche.

Editors are limited people, but not the enemy. Often they want to discover a new talent and helping them overcome doubt by listing accomplishments is useful. Publishing short pieces in...