Editorial advice

One issue that troubles many newer writers is how to get one's manuscript read by an editor. Ellen Datlow is one of the finest editors in the SF, fantasy and horror fields, but her advice is applicable to all types of writing. She says, "When submitting fiction to an editor, send it in as finished and polished as you can. A story can only be read a first time once. In other words, impact counts. Editors are more likely to buy a story that hits them strongly on the first read. Whether a story is meant to be read more than once or not, the first read is the most important." Read her advice on her website.