The Pen and the Books (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1899. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Chapter II. In Search Of An Editor. In this part of my work I suppose that the reader has already produced a MS. which he is anxious to see published, and that he desires to submit this work first to some editor for appearance in his magazine or journal. I. Let him put out of his mind absolutely the idea that any editor is open to "influence." I have myself written for most of the leading magazines, and I have made the acquaintance of most of the editors. I do not, however, know a single editor whom I would dare to attempt to "influence." Yet I constantly receive letters from young writers, begging me to use my "powerful influence "--it is always put in this gratifying, if mistaken, manner--to get their work accepted. Consider the position. An editor is placed in charge of a magazine, whose interests he is pledged to advance by every means in his power. If he were to allow himself to be moved by private influence, he would simply betray his trust. There is but one way to approach an editor, and that is by offering him good work. If the paper suits his columns and is above the average, he will certainly take it: if it suits the talk and mood of the day and is equal to his average, he will certainly take it: if it is of doubtful interest and not above the average of his paper, he will hesitate about taking it. If these facts are duly kept in mind, they will perhaps prevent a good deal of disappointment. Nothing is more common among people whose work has been proffered and declined than to attribute their failure to lack of influence. II. There are many complaints against editors: they are said to keep MSS. too long: they send them back in a soiled condition: they lose them: they refuse to pay until a County Court summons is threatened, and then they pay a wretched...