Behind the Scenes
Editors with ‘Intentions’
I’d like to hear some stories about people’s experiences with editors who use their position of personal contact as a way to flirt or otherwise sexually provoke the writers that submit to them. Seems like I can think of a bunch of male editors who I have seen show a tendency for this even in just their outward blogging stances, and I am interested to think about it more. I would say I’d include female editors in this but I have not seen that happen.
Anyhow, has anyone run into a situation like this? Where it seemed the editor was using his or her ‘power’ to try to elicit more out of the relationship than just literature? Any uncomfortable or strange interactions? How do these things begin, play out? Feel free to post anonymously, or use alternate names, if you feel like keeping it private. But I’m really interested.
Tags: experiences with editors, flirt
I get flirty all the time, I think.
One time I met this girl Sarah S. when I was living in Athens who had submitted to the journal. The poetry editors wanted to reject her and she was complaining about it, so I said okay let’s talk about it. She had the poems with her, as requested. I made sure it was the night that Hot Corner was having open-mic and got her to go on stage and read them, after I led the way reading something or other. Anyway after she read the poems to a crowd of like 50 people, I decided they were worth publishing because she believed in them more than I believed in the opinions of my editors. Her poems were all about dudes abusing her and stuff, so it was really tough to pursue anything, so I never did, and plus I never had a cellphone or anything anyways. She also made a really good point about how some of the stuff in the first issue was weaker than her stuff, so what the fuck was our problem? She was so hot. We published like six of her poems. I just told the poetry editors to stop arguing with me and we published them.
Hmm…
I definitely insisted to Elizabeth Ellen that she was one of the most gorgeous women I’ve ever seen, because that’s true and we all know it’s true. I even got a print of her bio photo made.
I told Sharon Goldner I didn’t believe she was as old as she was saying she was. Think I made her day on that one.
Everyone knows I have a crush on Mike Young.
I think that’s about the extent of my editorial flirting, to the best of my memory. I think going much further than that would be delving into creep territory. Then again can creeps really put out good lit? Probably not.
PS–all women who can write in addition to being women are encouraged to submit to dispatch: litareview.com
I get flirty all the time, I think.
One time I met this girl Sarah S. when I was living in Athens who had submitted to the journal. The poetry editors wanted to reject her and she was complaining about it, so I said okay let’s talk about it. She had the poems with her, as requested. I made sure it was the night that Hot Corner was having open-mic and got her to go on stage and read them, after I led the way reading something or other. Anyway after she read the poems to a crowd of like 50 people, I decided they were worth publishing because she believed in them more than I believed in the opinions of my editors. Her poems were all about dudes abusing her and stuff, so it was really tough to pursue anything, so I never did, and plus I never had a cellphone or anything anyways. She also made a really good point about how some of the stuff in the first issue was weaker than her stuff, so what the fuck was our problem? She was so hot. We published like six of her poems. I just told the poetry editors to stop arguing with me and we published them.
Hmm…
I definitely insisted to Elizabeth Ellen that she was one of the most gorgeous women I’ve ever seen, because that’s true and we all know it’s true. I even got a print of her bio photo made.
I told Sharon Goldner I didn’t believe she was as old as she was saying she was. Think I made her day on that one.
Everyone knows I have a crush on Mike Young.
I think that’s about the extent of my editorial flirting, to the best of my memory. I think going much further than that would be delving into creep territory. Then again can creeps really put out good lit? Probably not.
PS–all women who can write in addition to being women are encouraged to submit to dispatch: litareview.com
Oh and I have asked to meet Amelia Gray in Austin when I get back because I’d like her to sign my copy and get drunk on my dime. She seemed uncomfortable, so I’m not worried if it never actually happens.
Oh and I have asked to meet Amelia Gray in Austin when I get back because I’d like her to sign my copy and get drunk on my dime. She seemed uncomfortable, so I’m not worried if it never actually happens.
am i the only one who thinks paul is fucking nutso? really?
maybe i’m the only one to state it in public.
paul you are fucking creepy and nuts.
i hit on EE at awp but only because i didn’t know who she was. i felt bad after i realized who she was because i wanted her to know i thought she had some hot snatch or something and not because i was kissing ass writer style.
am i the only one who thinks paul is fucking nutso? really?
maybe i’m the only one to state it in public.
paul you are fucking creepy and nuts.
i hit on EE at awp but only because i didn’t know who she was. i felt bad after i realized who she was because i wanted her to know i thought she had some hot snatch or something and not because i was kissing ass writer style.
@BB
i am also curious, since paul alluded to it, how many editors publish female writers based on their “hotness”.
i would like to think 0 but i don’t think that’s true at all.
@BB
i am also curious, since paul alluded to it, how many editors publish female writers based on their “hotness”.
i would like to think 0 but i don’t think that’s true at all.
I don’t think I have ever experienced this precisely. However, I do remember DJ Berndt kissing my ass in an attempt to get me to submit to Pangur Ban Party because of my name. He complimented me a lot and idolized me, as well as writers I often talked to. I think he wanted status more than anything else. He seems to do it to other people as well. I’m just not sure if they realize he’s using their names to make his name into someone special. A lot of people seem to do these types of things in this blogging community.
I don’t think I have ever experienced this precisely. However, I do remember DJ Berndt kissing my ass in an attempt to get me to submit to Pangur Ban Party because of my name. He complimented me a lot and idolized me, as well as writers I often talked to. I think he wanted status more than anything else. He seems to do it to other people as well. I’m just not sure if they realize he’s using their names to make his name into someone special. A lot of people seem to do these types of things in this blogging community.
ha, yeah, I’m not sure you haven’t crossed the creep line (PHM) but admire your honesty.
I would be pretty disappointed if I found out that somebody had published something by me because of my good looks.
I think it’s an interesting thing to bring up because we know this stuff happens. I think it’s awesome that Blake’s opened a place to talk about it. It’d be nice if “is attractive” were off the list of reasons why a person might get published.. I know this idealistic, but seeing sexism being treated as OK in the corporate and academic worlds, it would be nice if the writing world (if we can make the distinction) could exist without it.
ha, yeah, I’m not sure you haven’t crossed the creep line (PHM) but admire your honesty.
I would be pretty disappointed if I found out that somebody had published something by me because of my good looks.
I think it’s an interesting thing to bring up because we know this stuff happens. I think it’s awesome that Blake’s opened a place to talk about it. It’d be nice if “is attractive” were off the list of reasons why a person might get published.. I know this idealistic, but seeing sexism being treated as OK in the corporate and academic worlds, it would be nice if the writing world (if we can make the distinction) could exist without it.
On the other hand, how often does this really happen? How many editors actually get a chance to meter their submitters’ hottness? I know of one ridiculously obnoxious example of this happening – a writer met an editor at a conference, worked with her on her manuscript, told her that it was only ‘fixable’ if she flew out and spent a few days with him to ‘work on it’, then was told the manuscript wasn’t for them when it was clear she wasn’t interested in a one-on-one workshop. So, yeah, it happens, but as I think about this, I’m having a hard time remembering the last contributor I met in person – sure, I’ve met tons of contributors after we’ve pubilshed them, but rarely (if ever?) before.
On the other hand, how often does this really happen? How many editors actually get a chance to meter their submitters’ hottness? I know of one ridiculously obnoxious example of this happening – a writer met an editor at a conference, worked with her on her manuscript, told her that it was only ‘fixable’ if she flew out and spent a few days with him to ‘work on it’, then was told the manuscript wasn’t for them when it was clear she wasn’t interested in a one-on-one workshop. So, yeah, it happens, but as I think about this, I’m having a hard time remembering the last contributor I met in person – sure, I’ve met tons of contributors after we’ve pubilshed them, but rarely (if ever?) before.
I just want to point out that all the people I solicited when I was getting started (again) with dispatch were because I thought they would give a boost to initial reader/submittership, based on their name or anything, really. I’d also read their stuff pretty extensively. I think comments like Jereme’s are the kind that Blake Butler’s trying to bring out with this post, but I’m cool with it.
I just want to point out that all the people I solicited when I was getting started (again) with dispatch were because I thought they would give a boost to initial reader/submittership, based on their name or anything, really. I’d also read their stuff pretty extensively. I think comments like Jereme’s are the kind that Blake Butler’s trying to bring out with this post, but I’m cool with it.
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
I’m kidding a bit with the creep thing – I don’t know you, so who am I to judge? Based on what you wrote it sounds like maybe Sarah S got her chance to read in front of you based on your attraction to her, but you don’t say that, so unfair. The other stuff is just a little on the creepy side (printing out a picture of a contributor) but not unethical.
I’m kidding a bit with the creep thing – I don’t know you, so who am I to judge? Based on what you wrote it sounds like maybe Sarah S got her chance to read in front of you based on your attraction to her, but you don’t say that, so unfair. The other stuff is just a little on the creepy side (printing out a picture of a contributor) but not unethical.
Check it out: if I printed 5,000 of those pictures with Elizabeth Ellen holding a poolstick in a Bacardi tanktop and posted them on stop signs across America and Europe with “litareview.com” beneath them, don’t you think it would, if only for a short time and probably for all the wrong reasons, get people interested in the magazine? I’d never make it a pre-req to publish good-looking people. Most people don’t attach their photos to their submissions when they submit, and that’s okay because it’s not necessary until they are accepted, which of course is less than 1% of them. In one instance I published a photo of the writer when she was like 6 or 7 or something (Kelly Jameson, dispatch nine).
I dunno.
Sex sells. I know how to sell it to people of my own gender. My co-conspirator, a woman, was the architect of our next big stunt.
And if Sarah hadn’t read that night, whether she was hot or not, I doubt I would have been as willing to jeopardize the relationship with Blair and Taylor. But yeah, my ears were more open because my eyes were wide open, I won’t lie about that. Fair estimate to make, I think, and reasonable.
Oops. Forgot to change my name back from the slander-bot name thing.
Uh oh
Check it out: if I printed 5,000 of those pictures with Elizabeth Ellen holding a poolstick in a Bacardi tanktop and posted them on stop signs across America and Europe with “litareview.com” beneath them, don’t you think it would, if only for a short time and probably for all the wrong reasons, get people interested in the magazine? I’d never make it a pre-req to publish good-looking people. Most people don’t attach their photos to their submissions when they submit, and that’s okay because it’s not necessary until they are accepted, which of course is less than 1% of them. In one instance I published a photo of the writer when she was like 6 or 7 or something (Kelly Jameson, dispatch nine).
I dunno.
Sex sells. I know how to sell it to people of my own gender. My co-conspirator, a woman, was the architect of our next big stunt.
And if Sarah hadn’t read that night, whether she was hot or not, I doubt I would have been as willing to jeopardize the relationship with Blair and Taylor. But yeah, my ears were more open because my eyes were wide open, I won’t lie about that. Fair estimate to make, I think, and reasonable.
Oops. Forgot to change my name back from the slander-bot name thing.
Uh oh
a female writer i know who has published with some big magazines/publishers said she was quite positive that a lot of her early success was due to her looks
a female writer i know who has published with some big magazines/publishers said she was quite positive that a lot of her early success was due to her looks
I am 100% sure that I have never been published based upon the quality of my appearance.
what about when you reject people you have slept with/sleep with?
I am 100% sure that I have never been published based upon the quality of my appearance.
what about when you reject people you have slept with/sleep with?
Do you think she would trade that for more struggle? And is she saying her writing wasn’t as good as her looks, or just that it gave her a better shot?
Do you think she would trade that for more struggle? And is she saying her writing wasn’t as good as her looks, or just that it gave her a better shot?
maybe it was just a case of bad story/hot pussy/bad timing
this thread is just begging for assholes
maybe it was just a case of bad story/hot pussy/bad timing
this thread is just begging for assholes
hahaha
hahaha
Sure, it’s obvious that sex sells, but thanks for your example. I don’t have any problem with hot writers. Or hot anybody. Let’s all be hot together.
But ‘hotness’ shouldn’t get you published – there are plenty of bad reasons people get published, though – I’m not denying that it doesn’t happen. All I’m saying is it’d be nice if this particular corner of the world could be devoid of that kind of nonsense. Of course it isn’t, but if we think about all the shit we have to eat everyday, particularly women – in the workplace, in popular media, walking down the street, in academia, etc., that a woman’s looks could be removed from the equation in freaking small press publishing.
Sure, it’s obvious that sex sells, but thanks for your example. I don’t have any problem with hot writers. Or hot anybody. Let’s all be hot together.
But ‘hotness’ shouldn’t get you published – there are plenty of bad reasons people get published, though – I’m not denying that it doesn’t happen. All I’m saying is it’d be nice if this particular corner of the world could be devoid of that kind of nonsense. Of course it isn’t, but if we think about all the shit we have to eat everyday, particularly women – in the workplace, in popular media, walking down the street, in academia, etc., that a woman’s looks could be removed from the equation in freaking small press publishing.
What happens when you get rejected for being ugly?
What happens when you get rejected for being ugly?
sells what? a free online magazine?
ugh
sells what? a free online magazine?
ugh
lol
and not in a good way
lol
and not in a good way
i’d like to see some females comment on this
i’d like to see some females comment on this
I am a female editor. I only publish cute boys who put out.
Love,
Rachel
I am a female editor. I only publish cute boys who put out.
Love,
Rachel
As with the race/gender thing, I’m not sure what the solution is, or if there’s even really a problem. Is there anyone here who would take an almost-good-enough story over a definitely-good-enough story based on the physique of the authors? Even Nerve.com doesn’t seem to be that shallow.
As with the race/gender thing, I’m not sure what the solution is, or if there’s even really a problem. Is there anyone here who would take an almost-good-enough story over a definitely-good-enough story based on the physique of the authors? Even Nerve.com doesn’t seem to be that shallow.
she was saying that it gave her a better shot. i doubt she would trade it for more struggle, but nevertheless that shouldn’t even be the question, not to mention that i can’t speak for her.
that’s hot
she was saying that it gave her a better shot. i doubt she would trade it for more struggle, but nevertheless that shouldn’t even be the question, not to mention that i can’t speak for her.
that’s hot
You didn’t hear? Starting now I’m charging ten dollars a copy plus shipping plus tax plus tip. The free model has failed us too many times to be trusted, what with google going out of business last night and so on.
You didn’t hear? Starting now I’m charging ten dollars a copy plus shipping plus tax plus tip. The free model has failed us too many times to be trusted, what with google going out of business last night and so on.
Right, so what I’m getting at is that the only solution really is sort of a shrug. It feels the same as with that thing that happened at Pank the other day. Nobody’s got a viable, do-this solution for the “problem.”
Could people like me be less jackass about the whole thing? Sure.
I’m not sure what the point of a discussion is if it doesn’t come out with a definite resolution that at least some of the partakers think should be instituted.
Is there really a monopoly of good-looking writers?
Men are weak and stupid
Right, so what I’m getting at is that the only solution really is sort of a shrug. It feels the same as with that thing that happened at Pank the other day. Nobody’s got a viable, do-this solution for the “problem.”
Could people like me be less jackass about the whole thing? Sure.
I’m not sure what the point of a discussion is if it doesn’t come out with a definite resolution that at least some of the partakers think should be instituted.
Is there really a monopoly of good-looking writers?
Men are weak and stupid
sadly true.
sadly true.
i’ve never been published by a woman/girl/bitch/babe/milf/cougar/lady, but i would totally put out, because i’m a progressive feminist with an axe to grind all over someone’s face.
i’m glad i could add something valuable to this engrossing dialogue. i hope it becomes engorged beyond its means, flooding the internets with hormones and blood and stuff.
kthxbi
i’ve never been published by a woman/girl/bitch/babe/milf/cougar/lady, but i would totally put out, because i’m a progressive feminist with an axe to grind all over someone’s face.
i’m glad i could add something valuable to this engrossing dialogue. i hope it becomes engorged beyond its means, flooding the internets with hormones and blood and stuff.
kthxbi
Male editors hit on women writers all the time, not all of the male editors, but the sleazy segment which is probably more significant than you’d think. The women don’t even have to be hot although that certainly helps a lot and will garner you a higher quality of sleaze. Still, all you really need is a vagina. Creepy editors make weird inappropriate comments in editorial correspondence and they make awkward suggestions about meeting up at national events and they think its okay or funny or charming. Its pathetic. If you need to use your submission queue as your dating pool, you have issues. I know of one editor who basically checks Facebook profiles before responding to work. Now, you can run your magazine anyway you want but when you do these sorts of things, you will always be a massive too and chalking it up to just being human or being a guy is not okay eitherl.
Male editors hit on women writers all the time, not all of the male editors, but the sleazy segment which is probably more significant than you’d think. The women don’t even have to be hot although that certainly helps a lot and will garner you a higher quality of sleaze. Still, all you really need is a vagina. Creepy editors make weird inappropriate comments in editorial correspondence and they make awkward suggestions about meeting up at national events and they think its okay or funny or charming. Its pathetic. If you need to use your submission queue as your dating pool, you have issues. I know of one editor who basically checks Facebook profiles before responding to work. Now, you can run your magazine anyway you want but when you do these sorts of things, you will always be a massive too and chalking it up to just being human or being a guy is not okay eitherl.
Also, I can’t type– “too” should be tool.
Also, I can’t type– “too” should be tool.
Well, now at least we have a problem identified. Maybe naming names and making a public database of correspondence would be the key. I’ll gladly volunteer my files to the investigative committee.
the only reason mike is publishing my book is because i let him have his way with me.
Well, now at least we have a problem identified. Maybe naming names and making a public database of correspondence would be the key. I’ll gladly volunteer my files to the investigative committee.
the only reason mike is publishing my book is because i let him have his way with me.
That’s interesting Roxane. Would you like to meet up to discuss this?
That’s interesting Roxane. Would you like to meet up to discuss this?
to whit:
MALE,
Thanks for submitting to dispatch litareview. While it was
indisputably well-written, “STORY” is not what I am looking
for at this time. Good work, though, I’m sure it will find a home
soon.
P. H. Madore
the dispatcher @ litareview.com
duotrope.com/market_800.aspx
FEMALE,
First, I think the title will see a change before this essay’s ever published. It is timely, however, and will certainly find a home somewhere. I’d even go big with it, like Newsweek or something. All else fails, check out http://girlswithinsurance.com
Non-fiction pieces for dispatch need to be a bit more timeless than this is, like so in a thousand years someone could conceivably translate it to the modern tongue and still find something in it to relate to. Hard criteria for non-fiction, surely, but I hope you don’t take this personally.
Best,
P. H. Madore
the dispatcher @ litareview.com
duotrope.com/market_800.aspx
MALE FRIEND WRITER,
Too rushed for dispatch, which is slowly developing its own temperament. Be not discouraged. Carry on.
P. H. Madore
the dispatcher @ litareview.com
duotrope.com/market_800.aspx
FEMALE,
STORY was stimulating. I didn’t find it as well-suited to
dispatch as you might have felt it was in submitting it. Please don’t
let this discourage you from submitting again in the future.
P. H. Madore
the dispatcher @ litareview.com
duotrope.com/market_800.aspx
– Show quoted text –
to whit:
MALE,
Thanks for submitting to dispatch litareview. While it was
indisputably well-written, “STORY” is not what I am looking
for at this time. Good work, though, I’m sure it will find a home
soon.
P. H. Madore
the dispatcher @ litareview.com
duotrope.com/market_800.aspx
FEMALE,
First, I think the title will see a change before this essay’s ever published. It is timely, however, and will certainly find a home somewhere. I’d even go big with it, like Newsweek or something. All else fails, check out http://girlswithinsurance.com
Non-fiction pieces for dispatch need to be a bit more timeless than this is, like so in a thousand years someone could conceivably translate it to the modern tongue and still find something in it to relate to. Hard criteria for non-fiction, surely, but I hope you don’t take this personally.
Best,
P. H. Madore
the dispatcher @ litareview.com
duotrope.com/market_800.aspx
MALE FRIEND WRITER,
Too rushed for dispatch, which is slowly developing its own temperament. Be not discouraged. Carry on.
P. H. Madore
the dispatcher @ litareview.com
duotrope.com/market_800.aspx
FEMALE,
STORY was stimulating. I didn’t find it as well-suited to
dispatch as you might have felt it was in submitting it. Please don’t
let this discourage you from submitting again in the future.
P. H. Madore
the dispatcher @ litareview.com
duotrope.com/market_800.aspx
– Show quoted text –
ha
ha
Ha! Awesome.
Ha! Awesome.
I don’t really understand this reasoning that it isn’t worth discussing something if there’s no quick and easy way to come up with a solution. Hell, how many years have women been talking about sexual harassment in the workplace at this point, and is there yet any kind of solution in place which keeps it from happening 100% of the time? Absolutely not, and I doubt there is any such solution or ever will be. But does that mean it isn’t worth having conversations about and no one should have ever brought it up?
For the record, I’ve never had any of these experiences with a male editor, so no specific personal axe to grind. I’m just not following this logic that things should only be discussed if a solution can be proposed.
I don’t really understand this reasoning that it isn’t worth discussing something if there’s no quick and easy way to come up with a solution. Hell, how many years have women been talking about sexual harassment in the workplace at this point, and is there yet any kind of solution in place which keeps it from happening 100% of the time? Absolutely not, and I doubt there is any such solution or ever will be. But does that mean it isn’t worth having conversations about and no one should have ever brought it up?
For the record, I’ve never had any of these experiences with a male editor, so no specific personal axe to grind. I’m just not following this logic that things should only be discussed if a solution can be proposed.
Angi, I guess I just would rather devote my time to problems I myself can fix. dispatch is always accepting ideas for submission–it’s even in the guidelines–so if someone comes up with something “I should be doing but am not doing”, do let me know.
Angi, I guess I just would rather devote my time to problems I myself can fix. dispatch is always accepting ideas for submission–it’s even in the guidelines–so if someone comes up with something “I should be doing but am not doing”, do let me know.
so whitty
so whitty
I usually only sexually provoke people who are already sleeping with me. You really want to get to know a person before you start trying the complicated shit.
I usually only sexually provoke people who are already sleeping with me. You really want to get to know a person before you start trying the complicated shit.
ELIZABETH ELLEN IS ONLY OKAY
CALM DOWN ABOUT ELIZABETH ELLEN
SHE IS JUST A WOMAN
“DOESN’T GLOW EPHEMERALLY LIKE THE MOON, ETC”
ELIZABETH ELLEN IS ONLY OKAY
CALM DOWN ABOUT ELIZABETH ELLEN
SHE IS JUST A WOMAN
“DOESN’T GLOW EPHEMERALLY LIKE THE MOON, ETC”
ZIP DOESN’T HAVE SEXUAL ORGANS.
ZIP DOESN’T HAVE SEXUAL ORGANS.
See, that’s what’s cool about gays. They’re all, “Oh well, even if Gian doesn’t publish my story, at least I got my dick sucked.”
This thread is too hetero. I’m bouncing!
See, that’s what’s cool about gays. They’re all, “Oh well, even if Gian doesn’t publish my story, at least I got my dick sucked.”
This thread is too hetero. I’m bouncing!
“For example.”
“For example.”
thanks dude, that really clears things up. now i can sleep the sleep of giants knowing i’m misunderstood. i love myself. i love myself so much i’m building a shrine consecrated to myself called the supermal. i’m going to eat breakfast in front of it every day while i listen to christian radio and crush bubblewrap with my bare toes. from now on i’m going to publish my own stuff and only my own stuff and i’m going to have sex with myself and then there will be no more problems. you’re welcome.
thanks dude, that really clears things up. now i can sleep the sleep of giants knowing i’m misunderstood. i love myself. i love myself so much i’m building a shrine consecrated to myself called the supermal. i’m going to eat breakfast in front of it every day while i listen to christian radio and crush bubblewrap with my bare toes. from now on i’m going to publish my own stuff and only my own stuff and i’m going to have sex with myself and then there will be no more problems. you’re welcome.
pretty sure i could recreate the photo in this post. i have very similar sunglasses and a white collared shirt similar to that. i could also do the dickass grin if need be.
this thread is funny.
pretty sure i could recreate the photo in this post. i have very similar sunglasses and a white collared shirt similar to that. i could also do the dickass grin if need be.
this thread is funny.
In my limited experience I haven’t felt harassed by an editor yet. I’m more guilty of initiating. I made the rather tasteless and unoriginal comment to the first editor to publish me that he took my virginity. He didn’t seem offended, he seemed pleased. And there’s the thing: I think you know who you can and can’t fuck around with, as it were, and you know when you are being creepy and inappropriate (real creeps are the ones that push on regardless).
Flirting when there is a kind of connection is different from using your position to gain favor, whether as an editor or as a female writer. I think that makes it even harder to know where to draw the line. The best advice is to listen to the other person. Most people will let you know what they’re comfortable with. There are verbal and non-verbal cues if you just pay attention, but this is hard to do when you objectify people, because objects don’t give cues, right?
I’d be interested to know whether any male editors feel ‘harassed’ when a female writer flirts with them, however, I get the sense you’d fear coming forward in this thread, since you’ll probably be branded ‘totally gay’.
A more insidious problem, in my view, is the perception some hold that female writing is inherently inferior, or nepotism, or writers who make it clear they will only associate with you if they feel you can do something for their ‘careers’ …
In my limited experience I haven’t felt harassed by an editor yet. I’m more guilty of initiating. I made the rather tasteless and unoriginal comment to the first editor to publish me that he took my virginity. He didn’t seem offended, he seemed pleased. And there’s the thing: I think you know who you can and can’t fuck around with, as it were, and you know when you are being creepy and inappropriate (real creeps are the ones that push on regardless).
Flirting when there is a kind of connection is different from using your position to gain favor, whether as an editor or as a female writer. I think that makes it even harder to know where to draw the line. The best advice is to listen to the other person. Most people will let you know what they’re comfortable with. There are verbal and non-verbal cues if you just pay attention, but this is hard to do when you objectify people, because objects don’t give cues, right?
I’d be interested to know whether any male editors feel ‘harassed’ when a female writer flirts with them, however, I get the sense you’d fear coming forward in this thread, since you’ll probably be branded ‘totally gay’.
A more insidious problem, in my view, is the perception some hold that female writing is inherently inferior, or nepotism, or writers who make it clear they will only associate with you if they feel you can do something for their ‘careers’ …
As an editor, I tried to defile all submittors in a literary way, men and women alike, so they would seek physical validation from me in an attempt to triage their ego and restore a sort of psychic equilibrium. That’s really why my rejections were sometimes so harsh: simple psychosexual manipulation, my friends . . . Submittors can be quite forthcoming in terms of presenting affectionate interests, as well. Sometimes this is good, sometimes not so good, depending on good ol’-fashioned offline human goodness.
As an editor, I tried to defile all submittors in a literary way, men and women alike, so they would seek physical validation from me in an attempt to triage their ego and restore a sort of psychic equilibrium. That’s really why my rejections were sometimes so harsh: simple psychosexual manipulation, my friends . . . Submittors can be quite forthcoming in terms of presenting affectionate interests, as well. Sometimes this is good, sometimes not so good, depending on good ol’-fashioned offline human goodness.
Something I have witnessed is women writers criticizing other women writers they perceive to be flirting with editors. It’s just an example, I think, of that whole women getting pitted against other women thing that happens all the time in the greater culture.
Something I have witnessed is women writers criticizing other women writers they perceive to be flirting with editors. It’s just an example, I think, of that whole women getting pitted against other women thing that happens all the time in the greater culture.
LOL.
LOL.
this must be why i only submit/publish one story a year.
this must be why i only submit/publish one story a year.
agreed
agreed
it’s “to wit”, actually.
it’s “to wit”, actually.
+!
+!
that’s not true sexy… those biceps… those dimples.. thats why i used your flash fiction.
how the hell you been man?
that’s not true sexy… those biceps… those dimples.. thats why i used your flash fiction.
how the hell you been man?
roxane, i gotta say, i just checked out your facebook page so now i feel comfortable having this correspondence.
you say sleaze as if thats a bad thing…
you know how many blow jobs i have to give every time i get a story published. pimpin aint easy.
roxane, i gotta say, i just checked out your facebook page so now i feel comfortable having this correspondence.
you say sleaze as if thats a bad thing…
you know how many blow jobs i have to give every time i get a story published. pimpin aint easy.
¥∞Œ!
¥∞Œ!
i’ve seen the opposite of this happening at matador–writers harassing some of the female editors.
i’ve seen the opposite of this happening at matador–writers harassing some of the female editors.
I don’t why RILEY MICHAEL PARKER will be publishing me. But, we flirt “all the time” in our emails to one another–and I like it! Sometimes, he “punishes” me, which I like. So, I try to think of things to write to him that will make him angry with me. He likes to confuse me a lot about his personal life. This makes me happy.
REYNARD SEIFERT is really sweet. He’s more like a brother than anything else. And even though he’s going to be publishing this thing by me in his new thing, I wish he would hit on me. I mean, I really want to get hit on. So, REYNARD SEIFERT, if you are reading this comment, please, please, please, would you just hit me! No, really. I mean it. Just hit me!
BLAKE BUTLER published my baby bunny thing for strictly sexual reasons. He said during his book tour that, “If you just blow me, I’ll see what I can do.” So, I gave it a shot.
I don’t why RILEY MICHAEL PARKER will be publishing me. But, we flirt “all the time” in our emails to one another–and I like it! Sometimes, he “punishes” me, which I like. So, I try to think of things to write to him that will make him angry with me. He likes to confuse me a lot about his personal life. This makes me happy.
REYNARD SEIFERT is really sweet. He’s more like a brother than anything else. And even though he’s going to be publishing this thing by me in his new thing, I wish he would hit on me. I mean, I really want to get hit on. So, REYNARD SEIFERT, if you are reading this comment, please, please, please, would you just hit me! No, really. I mean it. Just hit me!
BLAKE BUTLER published my baby bunny thing for strictly sexual reasons. He said during his book tour that, “If you just blow me, I’ll see what I can do.” So, I gave it a shot.
oh come on. gays aren’t even worth talking about. homosexual men always put business first and prose second, and by business, i mean their dick.
that’s what’s awesome about gay guys. there is no fucking lame bullshit dick dance going on between opposites.
as you said, at least a dick got sucked.
stop being such a fag and man up.
oh come on. gays aren’t even worth talking about. homosexual men always put business first and prose second, and by business, i mean their dick.
that’s what’s awesome about gay guys. there is no fucking lame bullshit dick dance going on between opposites.
as you said, at least a dick got sucked.
stop being such a fag and man up.
There’s nothing wrong with sleaze. It just depends on how that sleaze is used. Many people are awkward and ridiculous when they try to ooze sleaze appropriately.
I know of some good massage techniques for that jaw. Years of practice. If you need tips, hit me up.
There’s nothing wrong with sleaze. It just depends on how that sleaze is used. Many people are awkward and ridiculous when they try to ooze sleaze appropriately.
I know of some good massage techniques for that jaw. Years of practice. If you need tips, hit me up.
I think that ‘women against women thing’ stems from the viewpoint that because we all have a vagina, we should like and support each others’ behavior, which is just bizarre.
I think that ‘women against women thing’ stems from the viewpoint that because we all have a vagina, we should like and support each others’ behavior, which is just bizarre.
word
word
I was reading this thinking, if I was hot I would get published more?
I was reading this thinking, if I was hot I would get published more?
Blake wouldn’t put me in Lamination unless I agreed to meet him for a beer. I was like, “Uh, Ok. Where?”
He said, “IN MY CAVERNOUS TONGUE, BY-ATCH!”
Ok, I was Ok with that. But then he put something in my beer, a sonnet. Dude slipped me a sonnet.
I remember nothing else but he published the work and that was my big break so I don’t regret it except for the nightmares and my index fingers (both) have a benign essential tremor now and I can’t write formal poetry anymore, you know, unless obliterated.
S
Blake wouldn’t put me in Lamination unless I agreed to meet him for a beer. I was like, “Uh, Ok. Where?”
He said, “IN MY CAVERNOUS TONGUE, BY-ATCH!”
Ok, I was Ok with that. But then he put something in my beer, a sonnet. Dude slipped me a sonnet.
I remember nothing else but he published the work and that was my big break so I don’t regret it except for the nightmares and my index fingers (both) have a benign essential tremor now and I can’t write formal poetry anymore, you know, unless obliterated.
S
EE is nice.
EE is nice.
Justin Taylor and I have the same editor at Harper Perennial and this guy is young and hot! Younger than JT and hotter than me! He’s always trying to get us into a 3-way.
On the flipside, I’d like to say that Future Tense has the hottest authors in the small press (EE, Chelsea, Myriam Gurba, Riley Michael Parker, the Haiku Inferno girls, Mike Topp) and I have not slept with any of them (well, except Frayn from H.I.).
Justin Taylor and I have the same editor at Harper Perennial and this guy is young and hot! Younger than JT and hotter than me! He’s always trying to get us into a 3-way.
On the flipside, I’d like to say that Future Tense has the hottest authors in the small press (EE, Chelsea, Myriam Gurba, Riley Michael Parker, the Haiku Inferno girls, Mike Topp) and I have not slept with any of them (well, except Frayn from H.I.).
haha
haha
Future Tense feels so out of my league
Future Tense feels so out of my league
so, what, gary lutz isn’t hot?
or you’ve slept with him?
so, what, gary lutz isn’t hot?
or you’ve slept with him?
Lutz is such a singular being, he’s like his own little sex island. He’s unflirtable/unfuckable(?)…
Lutz is such a singular being, he’s like his own little sex island. He’s unflirtable/unfuckable(?)…
Riley Michael Parker is hot.
Riley Michael Parker is hot.
I had no idea being an editor of a low-budget indie lit mag presented opportunities for sexual harassment. Dammit! I should have been taking advantage of this all along.
If anyone wants to get into a future issue of Barrelhouse, swing by our table at AWP for some medium to heavy petting.
Prefer Lady Writers, though will consider Dude Writers with exceptionally purty mouths.
I had no idea being an editor of a low-budget indie lit mag presented opportunities for sexual harassment. Dammit! I should have been taking advantage of this all along.
If anyone wants to get into a future issue of Barrelhouse, swing by our table at AWP for some medium to heavy petting.
Prefer Lady Writers, though will consider Dude Writers with exceptionally purty mouths.
food for thought…
food for thought…
Word to this.
I’ve edited, co-edited or assisted with a bunch of ‘zines, and never had any idea that it could lead to nookie.
Word to this.
I’ve edited, co-edited or assisted with a bunch of ‘zines, and never had any idea that it could lead to nookie.
flirt all you want.
only publish things if you’re into the writing. not the flirting.
flirt all you want.
only publish things if you’re into the writing. not the flirting.
and yeah, its not really the flirting publishing i’ve seen.
i mean, then again, i’d flirt with a grapefruit if it looked at me.
but that has nothing to do with writing and publishing.
just my inherent need to flirt?
but this happens, i’ve seen it happen more in the sense of, “oh hey you know that guy? i just worked with that guy. that means you should be nice to me.”
which is scary sometimes i think.
at least for me it is.
write hard listen to slayer eat fruit.
and yeah, its not really the flirting publishing i’ve seen.
i mean, then again, i’d flirt with a grapefruit if it looked at me.
but that has nothing to do with writing and publishing.
just my inherent need to flirt?
but this happens, i’ve seen it happen more in the sense of, “oh hey you know that guy? i just worked with that guy. that means you should be nice to me.”
which is scary sometimes i think.
at least for me it is.
write hard listen to slayer eat fruit.
what i mean to say is write what you want work at it and don’t worry about what happens next. if people like it, they’ll publish it. if they don’t send it somewhere else and -maybe- think about editing it.
flirting shouldn’t be anywhere in the publishing equation.
*blows a kiss
what i mean to say is write what you want work at it and don’t worry about what happens next. if people like it, they’ll publish it. if they don’t send it somewhere else and -maybe- think about editing it.
flirting shouldn’t be anywhere in the publishing equation.
*blows a kiss
i am a grapefruit looking at you
i am a grapefruit looking at you
thanks for the backup, matt. it’s funnier when you actually know what “whit” means. i hope you thought the situation was funny. i thought it was funny. in fact, i still think it’s funny. i am laughing out loud, in fact.
thanks for the backup, matt. it’s funnier when you actually know what “whit” means. i hope you thought the situation was funny. i thought it was funny. in fact, i still think it’s funny. i am laughing out loud, in fact.
I have a Voightyish mouth and a Beattyish ass but a Reynoldsyish temper so not sure I’ll stop by
I have a Voightyish mouth and a Beattyish ass but a Reynoldsyish temper so not sure I’ll stop by
and i a durian, waiting for you to open your nostrils and breathe me in
and i a durian, waiting for you to open your nostrils and breathe me in
even when i was a teen and looked okay (before my horrific MMA career), i would always learn later from friends that a girl had been “into” or “vibing” me. my friends said i needed a girl to grab my face and tell me she wanted me.
so who knows if an editor has flirted with me. now i have to go back and start checking old e-mails.
even when i was a teen and looked okay (before my horrific MMA career), i would always learn later from friends that a girl had been “into” or “vibing” me. my friends said i needed a girl to grab my face and tell me she wanted me.
so who knows if an editor has flirted with me. now i have to go back and start checking old e-mails.
90 comments? You people really like to talk about WRITING don’t you. I think it’s sweet.
90 comments? You people really like to talk about WRITING don’t you. I think it’s sweet.
One time an editor tried to trade publishing for sex and I popped him one. My piece was in the next issue.
One time an editor tried to trade publishing for sex and I popped him one. My piece was in the next issue.
I’m sad that you didn’t notice my overtures, David.
I’m sad that you didn’t notice my overtures, David.
From what I hear, a lot of this foolishness goes on at writers’ retreats. Boozing and sexualizing and “send-me-your-manuscript”-ing. But I’m too cool for writer’s retreats, so I wouldn’t know.
From what I hear, a lot of this foolishness goes on at writers’ retreats. Boozing and sexualizing and “send-me-your-manuscript”-ing. But I’m too cool for writer’s retreats, so I wouldn’t know.
haha
I really need to go back tonight and check those e-mails. My wife will have to watch the kids tonight while I do research.
haha
I really need to go back tonight and check those e-mails. My wife will have to watch the kids tonight while I do research.
Kevin Sampsell has never had sex “with me”, but he’s had a lot of sex “at me”, which is why I will no longer let him give me a ride home.
And Janey Smith totally wants it.
Also, wonderlust is still accepting submissions.
wonderlustpublishing.com
Kevin Sampsell has never had sex “with me”, but he’s had a lot of sex “at me”, which is why I will no longer let him give me a ride home.
And Janey Smith totally wants it.
Also, wonderlust is still accepting submissions.
wonderlustpublishing.com
that’s a sexy website
that’s a sexy website
maybe i could hit on you and also be your brother. that could be hawt. i’ll see what i can do.
althought it seems like blake would’ve said something about it being a great bj if it was.
so maybe we’ll have to keep it platonic for now because i’m keeping my dude ready for a “dare to be great situation.”
maybe i could hit on you and also be your brother. that could be hawt. i’ll see what i can do.
althought it seems like blake would’ve said something about it being a great bj if it was.
so maybe we’ll have to keep it platonic for now because i’m keeping my dude ready for a “dare to be great situation.”
dude’s got a pretty mouth, as the gent in deliverance says.
dude’s got a pretty mouth, as the gent in deliverance says.
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