Freebird asked Val Prozorova:

What are some of the positives, negatives, and surprises you've learned about being published or the publishing industry?

Val Prozorova Oh man... I have actually gotten a lot better at receiving my edited work back. I found it very difficult at first. Part of me knew it was to make my work better, but another felt that it must have been so terrible to begin with to warrant so many adjustments! So that's certainly a positive, I look at edits as they are meant to be seen, now: as improvements and suggestions, not a reflection of my work.

Other than that, I have to say I have been very lucky with my experiences so far. I have found some very supportive communities among the writers in anthologies I am part of, and I have felt very supported by the editors I have worked with.

I think the only negative I can think of is that many calls are very specific, and if you happen to not be accepted for one it is difficult to resubmit your stories. Of course, that makes you push your muse and write more... so perhaps that's a positive too!

flag