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| Writing for Publication: A Rollercoaster Ride |
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by Marcos A. Vargas, MSHA, PA-C - September 7, 2011
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Writers need publishing editors & publishing editors need writers. A truism that at first glance would make the relationship appear to be the perfect symbiotic relationship—one would think. But not necessarily so after reading the trials and tribulations of Kimberly Spering, MSN, FNP-BC in her quest for publication in her recent article, “Becoming an Author...Really?... Really! [Posted 8-15-11].
Naturally the “roller coaster” picture depicted through her words & narrative story paralleled many of my own experiences when I was in search of my 1st written credit. Upon reading her experience, I felt compelled to share my perspective too; thus the inception of this commentary. For me, it all began 3 years ago when I began pitching my first written &/or electronic queries to anyone who had editor after his or her name. Obviously, I went through a very similar ride to what many would-be writers go through in their early publishing journeys.
While my purpose is not to deter any aspiring writer, but rather the opposite: to “share and tell” others what to expect in this “roller coaster” process, since many of us (naively) would think that this process is a straight as an arrow. It should be, but it’s not. As a byline-seeker you will come to deal with “the good, the bad & the ugly” of all publishing editors as we all do…and still do it from time to time as we continue writing for publication.
Unfortunately many publishing editors are victims of the human foible factor. They have the very same character flaws that we all have. We know writers come in all shapes and sizes; so do editors. Furthermore, don’t be surprised if you encounter roadblocks to publication, some of them legitimate while many others just petty excuses given by narcissistic gatekeeper editors to dissuade poor medical writers and others.
For those of us who have been there and done that – meaning we have chosen the right topic, the right audience, the right medium and remained politically correct – nothing is more painful than to play by the rules and find out that some editors are not willing to acknowledge or courteously reply back or assist, guide or support budding medical writers. So what are aspiring writers to do? Keep hoping.
Again, as difficult to stomach these experiences might sound to you, it certainly is not all doom and gloom. In fact, I have personally and professionally been fortunate to strike gold, so to speak, with some publishing editors through the years. All because I remained patient or persistent and remained steadfast to the rules of the game. I got published because: one, I was flexible & agreeable to their feedback and/or editorial needs; two, I complied with the publishing editor requirements; and three, I always tried to slant/write the article to their specific readership needs and not my ego.
Writing for publication is no easy task. And yes, starting out (playing by the rules) is half of the battle, particularly when partnering with a non-myopic editor. Many even welcome the one-on-one mentoring relationship if you have been patient and accommodating or understanding of their tight deadliness or sudden editorial calendar changes, etc. Remember much like us, they handle many competing demands and priorities too.
So if your planning to accrue your writing credits and achieve new levels of success as a published writer, then you will need to realize that this endeavor requires not only polished writing skills, but also a set of social and communicative skills, if not a patient & flexible mindset. These will serve you well when handling and dealing with time-constrained, budget strapped or even “big house” publishing editors. So plug away and don’t forget to derive enjoyment on your next roller coaster ride!!!
Marcos A. Vargas, MSHA, PA-C is a Boston born and Puerto Rican bred individual who has an extensive healthcare industry background, both industry-related as a Pharmacy Technician during his undergraduate years, and industry-specific as a dually N.C.C.P.A. certified Physician Assistant in Surgery and Primary care after graduating from the University of Alabama—Birmingham Physician/Surgeon’s Assistant Program. He has held clinical positions in Cardiothoracic, General Surgery, & Emergency Medicine over the past twenty years. He holds a Master’s in Science Administration from Central Michigan University and a Healthcare Risk Management graduate certificate. He has been retained and consulted regularly by both plaintiff & defense law firms over the past 14 years. During this time, he has served as both a consulting medical reviewer and a PA expert. Marcos has lectured on Clinical Risk Management (PA) issues throughout the years to various Michigan-based PA Training Programs. He has done the same for lay audiences, covering a wide range of “Wellness” topics. He has been a supporter and associate member of numerous professional clinical and non-clinical organizations. Currently he is employed as an orthopedic PA at HMC.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
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