Is your work being exploited in the schemes of global literary procurers? You decide!
In the last six months I have received no less than a dozen offers from exclusive 'invitation only' literary web-sites that, (in their own words) feature only the best of the best!
WOWIE ZOWIE! And they think that I am THAT good? OK ... that's cool!
Then there are the small press publishers here and abroad. Good lord, even from India they are sending offers, (why does that feel so cool?) and the review periodicals that respect what you do, etc. Everyone of them seem to want YOU to be a contributor on their 'very special' literary projects.
Sheeshka La Beeshka! How could I be so lucky?
Can you believe it ... they are asking me now! And, of course, in my zeal and hopefulness to break through the thick gnarled crust of an ever-present apathy towards writers and poets and artists, I eagerly accept their offers and press forward in faith. Yeah baby ... I'm on my way now, and I feel pretty doggone good about the whole thing. Yupperbud!
I don't want to seem pedantic or ungrateful, but there is a shady side to this process ...
While on the surface there is something flattering and exciting about getting a personal invitation from an editor or a co-editor from some (supposedly) high-profile successful project - a chance to get the coveted exposure that you desire for your work, and the possibility of discovering the perfect connections to further your own artistic agendas - most of these offers ring hollow. Too many of these publishers don't care about what your goals are, or you, for that matter. You are a means to their ends. They are only interested in using your skills to further their own visions.
Sadly ...
most are after the quality work of diligent and talented artists to publish in their own projects without any financial remuneration to the author. Most make money at what they do, and most of the contributors don't. There are some that actually want the artist to pay for the publication that they are contributing to. Can you believe that? Beware of those that try and make you feel as if they are doing you a favor by accepting your jewels, and then leave you with the impression that being published in their 'rags' will do your career a world of good.
Bunkee Doodle!
Hey ... check it out! I am going to submit a series of articles and photos to Oregon Coast Magazine about our adventures. That would be my wife Michele and me. If they are accepted, they pay you money for what you do. Be honest with yourself. How much have you made with all the exposure in all the small press publications? Last time I checked, being known all over the world, and read by thousands, can't even buy a can of Bushs beans.
Still though, I've met some really swell people. And who cares about money anyway ... right? Hmmmmmm ...
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