The advantage of not being a serious writer is that it gives me the liberty to sit back, laugh and think “you are craazy, bitch!” when some editor goes a little cuckooo.
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What happened? Well recently, this mag with which I had published a story some time back, sent a mail asking if I would like to contribute to their special issue on childhood. I said ok and sent them something.
I rarely like my stories, and this one was no exception. The only thing I liked though was the title, lovemonger. So when they sent me the online link, and I saw that they had changed the title to something rather cheesy, I mailed them:
I wish you had told me when you changed the story's title!
And this is what ensued:
P,
It was a last minute change and we didn't have the time to inform you and I don't know if it is such a bad title for you to feel this way.
We have always shared a cordial relationship with our writers and I am a little disappointed that you have mailed us this way and in such a tone during such a happy occasion.
It's unfortunate that this is all you have to say after seeing such a carefully planned issue, into which the editorial team has put in so much effort.
Z
Sorry. It is a really nice issue and I just went through the entire thing. You guys have done a very good job of it.
But I do feel lousy about the title.
P.
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X here. Agree it was a mistake and we'll change the title on the online version - but not in the PDF - we don't think the given title is so bad for us to go through the trouble of editing and uploading it again, which takes a good amount of time. I would like to highlight though that other than the name of the file 'lovemonger' there was no indication of your wanting this to be the title, and given many people resort to naming a file with the first word in the article, we didn't think there was any title you'd given. Given the pressures of putting together a big issue, we only discovered this late and as Z explained, didn't have the time to check in with you.
Our magazine is a purely non-commercial, driven-out-of-passion magazine, led by Z who is managing this alongside her family and 4-year-old, and me, a full-time post-graduate student. Z and I both have a fair bit of experience being in the media room and in editing, and we have seen responses and feedback that are not half as polite as the way we work with our team (you can read Z's piece to know more about our relationship with the team - it's heartfelt).
The hours we put in - and believe me you, they are incredible, for the back-and-forth we need to put in with the writers, including chasing for little things like the four-line bio (and that would be me), with all of whom our correspondence is cordial to say the least - is all because we are working on bringing together a bunch of people who love to read, write and engage in anything creative. We are in no way obligated to anybody, just as you/any writer is not obligated to us. We - the editorial team and the contributors - are all in this out of sheer passion. As such, we have to say we're somewhat upset with your blowing a little out of proportion, and if I may add, it's soured our big day a little.
Nevertheless, we'll leave it here, and I hope you do continue to enjoy the magazine.
- X
4 comments:
aiya. what nonsense. it's not that big a deal and they're idiots to make such a fuss. takes 5 min to change a title yo. ask me, im an editor. also, you cant change a title without consulting the writer!!! you might by terms of contract be able to keep your own title but there hasta be an attempt at dialogue or at least tell them in case its a big deal. tell them their magazine might be their baby but 1. the story is yours and 2. you're not making a big deal, you're just letting them know, for future ref. (dont say this but also, hello, just like they could have just let you know.)
ahem.
minor overreaction commenting?
Overreactions are enjoyable. yours for the right reasons.
And no, no terms of contract, its strictly a we-are-doin-u-a-favor-by-puttin-up-ur-stry kinda mag.
Also, no more dialogues with what my mind's eye sees as a cross, puffed up, psycho buffoon.
tough-to-work-with-people.
that is when i looked at myself and realised that i am kind of them :D
Well - I would rephrase
I-am-always-right-kind-of-people
psst: can you link to your article there?
nooooo
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