I was talking to an author last night about submissions. And we were discussing how many submissions I receive have no return or incorrect return information.
I have five stories I wanted to publish but had to reject becuase there was incorrect contact info, wrong phone numbers and their emails bounce back.
Why do you think this happens?
Posted by HSO (Member # 2056) on :
typos and not checking carefully enough.
Using old contact information.
Sending an old story with aformentioned old contact information (i.e. not updating your manuscript).
Given the chance, people will make as many mistakes as possible.
I don't know, JB. It's no different in engineering business, either. It's worse when you get letterhead with old contact info.
Posted by RFLong (Member # 1923) on :
My personal favourite (from business rather than writing world):
A business card with old contact info crossed out and new contact info written in biro (not terribly legibly)
Hmmm... Yes, of course we're renewing your company's contract...
R
Posted by Christine (Member # 1646) on :
When I moved, I still had a couple of stories out there with my old contact info. In fact, I still have two stories out there with my old contact info. In both cases, however, I have a forward for the mail and the e-mail remains active. The phone number won't work though.
Sometimes people have such strong spam protection on their e-mail that you can't get through. I even saw an editor complain once that in response to a rejection letter he received a nasty note from the ISP saying he had been reported as a spammer...I'm not sure what the e-mail threatened to do about it bu I know he was pissed. I can't blame him.
Posted by Pyre Dynasty (Member # 1947) on :
Mabye they were just idiots trying to be anonomous.
Posted by Elan (Member # 2442) on :
I should hope everyone would be smart enough to proofread their contact information. However, there is a major disadvantage when you are proofreading familiar content - your mind tends to replace what IS with what you KNOW. I once attended a class on "How to Proofread." The instructor told us that the best readers make the worst proofreaders, because a good reader is a fast reader, and the mind tends to fill in what OUGHT to be there.
However, having incorrect contact information is not just a sign of carelessness, it's a form of professional suicide... unless, as previously noted, a submission was sent out so long ago that the author has changed residences. In that case, it's good to keep a hotmail account, a PO Box and a cell phone that can "move" with you.
