Yesterday, I received a message from a poet who called Subprimal Poetry Art/Music myopic. Struck me as sort of odd. He had sent some work our way a while back and we didn’t accept it. Apparently, this upset him because somehow we failed to appreciate his work and were not swayed by his bio.

Seems to me that this sort of complaining is unprofessional and serves no useful purpose. Well, it does makes me realize that the person may have been hard to work with if we had accepted something – and I guess that’s helpful to know.

Moreover, this particular poet’s work had indeed struck a sweet chord with us; however, it didn’t quite fit with the overall mosaic that we assembled from the other entries. It’s possible another submission at another time might have worked, but in a fit of pique he closed the door.

The Turn Down Blues

Nobody enjoys getting turned down; I understand this well, but it is part of the process. Most pros know this, but some don’t or maybe they just have a bad day once in a while and do something out of character. At any rate, if you are a younger writer without a lot of experience submitting their work, remember to stay cool, keep it real and keep it professional.

And don’t forget that editors are human, too. We too have lost cats, broken hot water heaters, computer frustrations and mosquito bites. We try to do a good job but it’s possible that we’ve passed on some jewels. On the other hand, it’s quite possible that our aesthetic and a writer’s aesthetic sometimes just don’t mix that well. It’s not bad, just different. And that’s the world for you, but keep it coming. And meanwhile: thanks to everyone who has submitted and supported Subprimal Poetry Art/Music. Abrazos to all.