Call me a glutton for punishment, but let me know if you're interested...
Happy Friday,
On Medium, I write for a publication called The Partnered Pen.
If you’re not familiar with it, here’s what’s different about it. All writers are editors. Which means you get to publish your own stories. No waiting for editors to review the story and accept or reject.
You submit and publish. Done.
I regularly get messages and emails from people asking if I can add them.
No, I’m sorry. I can’t. I’m an editor, not the owner.
I get the appeal as a writer. You never have to worry about getting rejected. It’s why I’m glad I got added while they were still adding writers.
But there’s another upside to an editor only publication besides being able to publish your own stuff.
It’s this: being an editor is a ton of work, all unpaid, and sometimes unappreciated.
I have another publication (History of Women) that I run the traditional way, which is to say I review submissions. Some days, I just love it.
Other days? Hoo boy.
Like when people get mad because I took “too long” to accept a submission.
Or when people get mad that I rejected an article because it’s not about the topic the publication is about. Or when people get mad that I ask for a different title because I already know the title they used won’t get much by way of clicks.
Etc.
And the one thing no editor should have to ask for…
Can you please add an image credit?
(sigh)
Some days I’d like to ask writers to walk in my shoes for a week.
It isn’t all roses and sunshine, I promise you.
Call me a glutton for punishment, but I’m going to start another publication.
This one will be for book lovers. A publication where writers can write about books they read and enjoyed or loved or were inspired by. And frankly, I don’t care if it’s a “review” or a lovefest.
I know. I know.
There already are book review publications on Medium.
Some of them are a bit pedantic for my liking. One says they only accept “proper” reviews, whatever that means. Another says no reviews, just feedback about the book. Isn’t that a review, then? Color me confused.
Look — I don’t want to think that hard.
I just want to write about books.
Know what I mean?
So I’m going to start my own publication.
I will open it for submissions, but all writers will be editors.
Which means I don’t need to review posts and accept or reject submissions. Just a whole bunch of book lovers in the same room. Talking about books.
There’s will only be one rule. It’s for posts about books. Simple as that. If someone submits a post that’s not about a book, I’ll just delete the writer. Poof. Gone.
Nice and simple.
No one needs to wait for me to review anything.
And I don’t need to stay on top of submissions.
If you’re interested, can you drop a comment to let me know? I’ll make sure you know about it (and how to get added) when it’s ready.
Also… got ideas for a name? I haven’t picked one yet.
:)
More reading… (friend links so you can read free)
“It Wasn’t A Boy Or Girl,” He Said. “And I Think I Made A Mistake”
What Keanu Said About Aging Beats The Crap Out Of Any Advice, Ever.
Did you know if you click the heart or leave a comment, Substack gives you stars for being responsive? You don’t see them, but I do and thank you! :)
Thanks for reading!
xo,
Linda
The first name that comes to mind is "More than a Cover." Your writers write book reviews in a variety of styles and formats and, of course, you shouldn't just judge a book by its cover...unless you're illiterate.
Yes. Books take you places, especially when you need a new perspective. Thanks for starting the adventure.