It's been awhile since I've been on here, but I've been extremely busy. As many of you know, I have started my own publishing company and that has kept me away from the blog and a lot of other things, but I'm finding I love this new job! That being said, I do have to wonder what's happening in the writing world. Whether writers realize it or not, the publishing business is a small world. I've been talking to several different small press editors the last few weeks--those that have graciously answered my questions and helped me learn how to get this business up and going. And in talking to those editors, I heard the same thing again and again. Writers who were so unhappy about the rejections they recieved that they felt the need to write to the editors and let them know just how dumb and amauterish the editors were for rejecting said manuscript. My questions is--in this new age of small press, do writers feel that because it is a small press, they can take a chance on alienating editors with nasty letters and emails? It's not done if you want to continue forging social networks in the publishing world. I know these editors and I know they were not rude when rejecting the manuscripts. Although to writers, it may feel that way when they get that dreaded form letter saying this isn't for us. But that's no excuse for blatant rudeness in return. As a writer myself, I know how those rejections can hurt and I know I've had some not so pleasant thoughts about those editors that rejected me. But, that's all they were--thoughts. Many times, especially if the editor took the time to hand write a note on my ms, I sent a thank you card that said, "Even though my story wasn't right for you at this time, I do thank you for your consideration." Trust me, this was appreciated by the editor and a lot of times, they would take the next story I sent. Simply because I was curteous and reacted in a professional manner. Not long ago, a writer emailed me to complain about another editor! An editor I knew well. Do you honestly think I did not relay that message? I most certainly did, because that editor had the right to know what was being said. Loose tongues hurt business. I am not ranting about rude writers. I am trying to help writers understand that the publishing business is tough enough these days without the writer sabotaging themselves in the process. Writers don't have to like the rejection--just please--for the sake of publication--don't vent to the editors and tell them how little they know. It will not win the writer friends. For those of you who didn't know I had started my own publishing company, you can check it out at www.mockingbirdlanepress.com We've released three books at this time: A Kiss In the Rain by Dacia Wilkinson, an inspirational romance, The Unicorn Tree by Cynthia Collins, a young adult and Sunbelt Gothic by Billie Louise Jones, a collection of short stories. Watch our website for new releases coming up. And I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful experience with publishers small, large and in between! Keep writing.