No Article Rehashes
Check out this publishers perspective on what they look for in articles that are quality: MMOL with Ezine Articles
1) We don’t even look at articles less than a minimum of 600 words.
2) We prefer in-depth articles on a single subject that is well focused.
3) We look for new ideas, and immediately reject rehashes, sound byte type articles, fluff, or anything that our readers are already likely to know.
4) The “Ten Tips to…” are not off-limits for us, but they need to be really good, and really thought out. No rehashes.
5) Here’s a big one. Many won’t like this. We have a strong bias AGAINST first person articles, unless the writer is well known. Columnists (in print or not) can get away with first person articles, because they are known. The truth is our readers don’t know you, and probably don’t really care about your personal experiences, and most first person articles are obviously about first person experiences. Unless you are Bono, or Hilary, or Dylan or…
And they “immediately reject rehashes, sound byte type articles, fluff, or anything that our readers already likely know.” Excellent guideline to follow from an article writers perspective!
I’m of two minds on this one.
Part of me thinks, “Wow, that’s great!” Looks like they’re focusing on weeding out what’s already been said and done.
The other part of me thinks, “Holy sh**.” It leaves me with the impression of an elite group who is going to be extremely picky, judgmental and not at all open to many talented submissions, no matter how great they are.
Personally, I wouldn’t try to submit to someone with this kind of perspective – not because I couldn’t do it, but because I’d be far too nervous about rejection to even enjoy the experience. Writing should be fun, a good, pleasant experience, not a nerve-wracking application for the Golden Seal of Approval.
Maybe it’s just the wording of their guidelines. They sound… snotty. Maybe I just haven’t had enough coffee yet :)
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