I’ve Been Pitching Pubs for Months, and a Piece Finally Got Accepted

Every writer knows the anxiety that comes with pitching a piece, whether it’s a book, a personal essay, or an OpEd in the local paper. We have thoughts to share. So moved is the writer to express herself that she’s willing to engage in this self-deprecating game of pitch and repeat on the off chance that her idea might pique an editor’s interest.

When I was pitching my memoir, I prayed for a rejection—not because I wanted a no, but I wanted confirmation that someone had read my query letter, synopsis, and sample pages. All too often, though, the attempts go into the submission pool abyss, leaving writers hungry for at least a ‘no.’

Well, this time, I got a yes! It wasn’t even a topic that I had long thought about. The idea came to me after a class with Susan Shapiro. Someone in my writing group mentioned that she’d been published in Next Avenue, a magazine for readers over 50. I was in the process of growing out my gray hair, so I whimsically crafted a pitch letter. Much to my delight, the editor responded with a yes, gave me a deadline, and shared a W9 with instructions on how to send to their accounts payable team.

I submitted the draft, which was accepted with no edits.

And just like that, belief in myself, in my talent, in my purpose was renewed.

So, writer friends, I hope you enjoy my piece, “I’m Done Coloring My Hair.” Even more, though, I hope you too enjoy the satisfaction of being validated. Know that you can always start here, sharing your musings with this grass roots community, where all voices are welcome.

Good luck, and write on!