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A First Acceptance That
Paid
By Patricia
Davis
I was introduced to the basic steps in the writing process while attending a
creative writing course offered by the adult education department of a local
high school. I had my story critiqued and was encouraged by my instructor to
polish it.
I became better informed about publishing and marketing my work through
Writer’s Market, other “how-to” publications for writers, the Internet,
online writing groups, and from the experience of submitting. I slowly realized
that writing for publication required a commitment of time, perseverance,
organization, and actually learning by working at it. I have become a better
writer in the process. I had some success in non-paying markets. But I wanted
to make a little money, too. That wasn’t happening yet.
As the months went by I learned to study each publication’s guidelines
to see what they wanted. I realized the necessity of carefully following these.
I discovered how to submit a brief but detailed query letter to interest an
editor in my work. I tried not to take personally each rejection. On occasion
an editor would write some encouraging words or useful suggestions on her
rejection letter. After each one-- and there were many of those-- I would
re-work, re-focus and send the piece out to the next publication on my list.
But still no sales.
My writing instructor, who was also on the board of directors of the
Philadelphia Writers’ Conference, suggested I apply for a scholarship to the
next writers’ conference. At about the same time, I submitted the essay I worked
on in her class to Grit, a national magazine, for its Mother’s Day
writing competition. I sent both the application for the scholarship and the
essay out in December and didn’t think any more about them.
Five months later and one week after Mother’s Day, I went to Grit’s
website for the first time. There to my surprise on the front cover of their
May issue was listed my essay, “Mommy to You Both.” There was no mention of the
contest or any winners. A check for $150.00 and five copies arrived two weeks
later. This gave me much needed encouragement to continue submitting my work.
At the end of May, I also received word that I was awarded a scholarship to the
writers’ conference in June. So with renewed enthusiasm and much excitement I
attended my first conference for writers. And I knew Gloria, my instructor,
would be there, too.
As I was browsing through the free literature provided at this event, I saw a
stack of Grit magazines. There on the table was the issue with my story. It was an exciting moment-- one in which I felt with assurance
that I was not wasting my time trying to hone the craft of writing. And I was in
good company, too. Gloria was overjoyed with my success as well.
That experience happened two years ago. More of my work was accepted by Grit’s
sister publication, Brave Hearts. I began to use those clips when
querying or submitting to other paying markets. Since then I’ve had essays and
articles accepted by other paying and non-paying markets. Each success spurs me
to continue on the path of writing for publication.
Pat’s work has appeared in The Lookout, Chicken Soup for the Soul Bible
(Companion Story), Mothering, North West Baby and Child, Woman Alive,
Take-A-Break (U.K.), Reunion Magazine, and God Answers Prayers (published March
2005). She is completing her first inspirational historical. Pat can be reached
at patjeanne@boltblue.com.
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