Kevin Perkins
Well-known member
In one of my even more stupid than usual moments, I had the absolutely brainless idea to submit a book synopsis to Medlar Press. I got, as expected, the usual slapped wrist of a rejection rebuff for having the temerity to even suggest such a thing.
So far, plus ca change, as our French colleagues would say. But tucked away in the rejection there was a phase, and such was the condescending tone, the impact was like being hit by a snowball with a carefully concealed rock at its core.
The no doubt delightful writer of the note, Rosie Ward-Allen, informed me that although my writing style might be of interest to the members of FishingMagic, it was not for them.It seems that when it comes to things literary, the likes of you and me are bottom of the food chain.
No doubt Medlar and other publishing houses feel they are at the apex of that chain, then the monthly angling press, followed by the weeklies, and then us lot down on the websites.It never seems to occur to the likes of Medlar that we are not three separate groups of readers, and we should not be banded (or is that branded…?) as such.
The majority of anglers will read anything if it is of interest to them, and the medium it is presented on is of less importance than the content. We do not all have to be degree-holding intellectuals to purchase and enjoy books by Medlar, nor do we need IQ ratings in single figures before we can appreciate angling websites.
The final paradox to this is that although I took the time to carefully type, print and post off my synopsis to Medlar, their reply came in the form of an email, so it seems the internet is good for something……….!
So far, plus ca change, as our French colleagues would say. But tucked away in the rejection there was a phase, and such was the condescending tone, the impact was like being hit by a snowball with a carefully concealed rock at its core.
The no doubt delightful writer of the note, Rosie Ward-Allen, informed me that although my writing style might be of interest to the members of FishingMagic, it was not for them.It seems that when it comes to things literary, the likes of you and me are bottom of the food chain.
No doubt Medlar and other publishing houses feel they are at the apex of that chain, then the monthly angling press, followed by the weeklies, and then us lot down on the websites.It never seems to occur to the likes of Medlar that we are not three separate groups of readers, and we should not be banded (or is that branded…?) as such.
The majority of anglers will read anything if it is of interest to them, and the medium it is presented on is of less importance than the content. We do not all have to be degree-holding intellectuals to purchase and enjoy books by Medlar, nor do we need IQ ratings in single figures before we can appreciate angling websites.
The final paradox to this is that although I took the time to carefully type, print and post off my synopsis to Medlar, their reply came in the form of an email, so it seems the internet is good for something……….!
