How NOT to pull a story from a publication

[jennifer_brozek]

After a couple rounds of edits on one story that had multiple authors and three weeks of radio silence we sent a polite query to all of the authors about the status of the story in question, expressed that time was of the essence and the edits on the story were needed quickly.

This was the response from one of the authors: "I do not accept your edits. I don't feel comfortable publishing [STORY] anymore, as I'm a much different writer than I was three years ago, when I wrote the story. I especially don't feel comfortable attaching my name or ideas to your butchered excuse for prose. Good luck with the anthology; I'm sure a part of one story won't make a difference."

(Emphasis mine.)

Well. Withdrawing the story is his right. It does not matter what the other authors say at this point. This story will not be in the Grants Pass anthology. This makes me sad as it was one of the original Grants Pass stories I first accepted.

On a personal note, I will remember this particular author's name. If possible, I will never work with him again in my professional career as an author or editor due to his rudeness and unnecessary insult. It was his right to withdraw the story. It is my right to refuse to work with someone of his attitude in the future. He could have withdrawn the story without the bolded line and gotten his thoughts across to the editors without insult. He didn't. This is something I will remember.

Comments

[naamah-darling.livejournal.com]

Oh, WOW. That was really unnecessary and totally devoid of professionalism. How disappointing. So, basically, because of what this guy said, the other collaborators won't get the story published? Or is there something else going on?

[jennifer-brozek.livejournal.com]

That is correct. Because one of the authors of the story, written by three authors, responded this way, we cannot include the story in anthology at all. It does not matter if the rest email back, apologize and tell us they'll get the edits to us. It was a group effort and the group has to give permission.

Fortunately, one of the other authors who has been good to work with has his own solo story in Grants Pass.

[cuddlycthulhu.livejournal.com]

That really sucks for author #3. *shakes head*

[naamah-darling.livejournal.com]

That is really, really unfortunate, and I feel really bad for the two other authors. Like, REAL frowny, here. That totally sucks.

[digitaleopard.livejournal.com]

That was really tactless and tasteless. And boorish.

[xjenavivex.livejournal.com]

wow

[eddyfate.livejournal.com]

I agree. He could have just said "You know, I've grown a lot as a writer, and I'd prefer not to have this story available anymore. Is it possible for me to withdraw from this?" Or even "You know, I don't think I'm happy with how this story ended up being edited. Can I discuss your decisions?"

If I saw this, he would be off my list so fast his grandparents would suddenly lose contracts.

[baronlaw.livejournal.com]

Can we say burning bridges? What a fool.

[shaharazad.livejournal.com]

Definitely undiplomatic. Not to mention rude.

[therobbergirl.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's pretty dumb of him.

[eyezofwolf.livejournal.com]

Holy cow... you know, this just goes to show that common sense really is not so common. It amazes me that people can act like this. The best part is that sometimes people act like this and then down the road wonder why they can't get people to work with them. That last statement goes well beyond just writers.

[boiwondering.livejournal.com]

That is an amazingly stupid, needlessly belligerent attitude he's showing there. He may have grown as a writer, but clearly he's kind of an ingrown toenail of a human being, at least where professionalism and simple polite discourse are concerned. It sucks that you had to deal with that kind of assholery, but hey, forewarned is forearmed, right?

...right?

[ivan23.livejournal.com]

Wow. Just ... wow. The thing is, you hear about stuff like this happening all the time, and this one wasn't a hasty knee-jerk reaction to the news - he had weeks to figure out how to write a professional apology and withdrawl.

But of course, it sounds like that would've been beyond his writing ability.

[jadecat9.livejournal.com]

Damn. That was awfully rude.
And absolutely no tact whatsoever.

[cooperati.livejournal.com]

so much for them.

too bad, however, for the other authors.

-=T=-

[sylvan.livejournal.com]

What a fuckwit.

[antonstrout.livejournal.com]

more importantly, you have an open slot, you say?

[cuddlycthulhu.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's a great way to start losing work before you even have it.

[seductionjunkie.livejournal.com]

holy hell! Yeah, I don't blame you. Explaining that he's different than he was and doesn't feel comfortbale with something, that's fine, but WOW..that's like opening the door to an acquaintance and getting a punch in the face. I'm sorry you had to deal with that, Jenn, sometimes people just SUCK. Maybe he's going through things I don'tknow about or understand, but there's STILL a certain modicum of respect and etiquette that should be maintained.