When Lewis Lapham steered Harper's he came to our journalism school. He was impressive.
I sent him a query. He must be one of those rare and efficient creatures who clears off his desk each day. I got his answer back--and this was snail mail, mind you--within a week. (Yes, you read that right.)
It wasn't a form letter, either. He was brief but kind and thoughtful. He said no. However, he was so graceful in his rejection that I even felt good about it. I was in the game and here was an editor who was a nice guy. (They are out there, I assure you. I know from personal experience.)
Grace and transcendance. Hmm. Maybe that's what's missing from publishing's general discourse.
When Lewis Lapham steered Harper's he came to our journalism school. He was impressive.
ReplyDeleteI sent him a query. He must be one of those rare and efficient creatures who clears off his desk each day. I got his answer back--and this was snail mail, mind you--within a week. (Yes, you read that right.)
It wasn't a form letter, either. He was brief but kind and thoughtful. He said no. However, he was so graceful in his rejection that I even felt good about it. I was in the game and here was an editor who was a nice guy. (They are out there, I assure you. I know from personal experience.)
Grace and transcendance. Hmm. Maybe that's what's missing from publishing's general discourse.