A Woman's Guide to Success in the Writing World --

Good Morning, Friends of Kells~

Jeannine Hall Gailey has a great post on her blog called "Girls in a Boy's Club: Tips for Poets"

Here's a few of the ideas she offers:

--When you buy a book of poetry, try one by a female! When you review a book of poetry, try a book of poetry by a female.

--When you review said book of poetry by a female, try to eliminate any references to Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, or Elizabeth Bishop. I’m so tired of reading comparisons to those three women poets, as if male reviewers haven’t read any other female poets besides those two or three. It just looks lazy, fellas.


--When you have an opportunity to pay readers, have a woman out. Remember, we’re making less money over our whole life span, so cut a sister some slack. Try to remember to invite a woman poet who is not already rolling in dough and awards - that would be extra nice.


--Female poets: start reviewing books.

~

*** And I have a few tips & ideas I'd like to add as well.

Dear Women Poets, Writers & Artists--

1)  Don't be afraid to:

a) be rejected
b) have someone not like your work
c) speak up for yourself and your rights as a poet, writer, or artist
d) submit to a magazine, prize, or professional position even if you feel you are not fully qualified (always give it a shot)
e) do something because you are afraid you might get your feelings hurt.

2)  Start your own press

3)  Become an editor

4)  Promote yourself.

5)  Ask for the things you want.  (These include such as being a guest lecturer, teaching a class at a conference, being a featured reader... no, it's not braggy or pushy to think you deserve good things.)

6) Submit your work to a journal *more than once* in a year (see my Submit like a Man post)

7)  If you worry about what others think of you, stop (right now) and do what is best for your work/art/creative life.

8)  Start a blog and find ways to support your fellow woman writer/artist.

9)  Promote other women poets and artists in your classes, workshops, community, opportunities.

10)  Don't subscribe to journals who you feel don't represent women. (And on the positive - subscribe to journals that support other women writers.)

11)  Thank the people (men & women) in your creative life who support you and give you opportunities, and support them as well.

~
It's about supporting the people who are aware & trying to change the fact that women are still under-represented in publication in major journals, magazines, art galleries, presses, and in the prizes and awards department of the writing world.

But it's also about doing the work--

as women we have to submit more and to the bigger journals and magazines.  This is our job. If we're not doing the work, we cannot blame others for not publishing us.

So go forth, take risks, submit more, and don't work harder, but work better.




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