Who’s on First?

Not Rogues’ Gallery!

Not anywhere near.

WTF? I just checked the stats for my publication, Rogues’ Gallery and to say I’m disappointed would be an understatement.

Why are we at only 250 followers?

I’m fortunate to have some truly great writers and editors here: Kristi Keller, Helen Cassidy Page, P.G. Barnett, Stephen Sovie and more. Writers who, on their own, have impressive followings. And I hope they continue to light up this pub with their smarts, their razor-sharp wit and their personal reflections on this crazy life.

So…why the lack of love?

Are we not ridiculous enough? Insufficiently insipid? Woefully lacking in sexual content? (Hey, I can do that!)

I realize there is a shit-ton of publications on this platform. Medium, and Indies. And there’s a lot of cross-over. But I am doing my best to make RG stand out.

Plus, several of the Medium publications are not accepting new submissions. Personally, as an MPP member, I think that sucks. After a year here, I still can’t submit to P.S. I Love You. Or maybe it’s Human Parts. Or, P. S. I’m Human. They’re hard to keep straight.

And frankly, I don’t want to go where I’m not wanted.

Does our low following have something to do with the fact that I’ve turned some writers down?

Look, gang, I’m not a ventriloquist’s dummy. I don’t just sit here, nodding on the sidelines with a creepy grin on my face publishing whatever shite comes my way.

The submission guidelines are clear. You know what kind of stories we publish. “Authenticity” with a hefty helping of “fire” is all I ask. Along with the ability to actually write.

Plus, if you’re going to pout over one rejection, you’re never going to make it as a writer. NEVER. Because “rejection” is part of the deal.

You take it. You learn from it. You move on. And you submit again.

I always ask writers to resubmit their work if it isn’t accepted the first go-round. Plus, I try to be helpful in my criticism.

“Rejection” is my middle name. I’m still trying to break through the walls of some of the bigger pubs, but if I don’t, I’m not going to cry into my vodka. Because vodka and snot are not a good mix!

In the beginning, I was very reluctant to turn people down. As a result, I found myself not only heavily editing, but rewriting stories in some instances. For effing free! Why would I do this when I can’t even find a paying gig?

Finally, it occurred to me: “Screw this!”

I’m happy to change a headline or a subtitle to make an already-good story even better. But I refuse to copy edit for free. If you want to pay me, we can talk. I don’t come cheap, but I’m reasonable.

Also, and I’ve said this before: Why should we at Rogues’ Gallery, be any less particular about what we publish than the Medium pubs?

What would that say about me, as the publication owner? It would say that I don’t give a damn. And I do. I want to make this a success and take the rest of you along with me.

Is that so terrible?

I mentioned the Indie pubs. I’ve done my best to support them. There are only so many hours in a day, but I not only follow them but I also submit stories whenever time permits.

Maybe I’m not promoting Rogues’ Gallery properly. Or, sufficiently. Perhaps some of you have suggestions for this.

Because RG is my “baby,” yes, I’m admittedly sensitive, but I am committed to taking it as far as it can go. With your help, I hope.

Know that I believe in supporting my writers. They work hard and deserve the attention. As do I. As does Rogues’ Gallery. If you write for me, I will do my best to get you noticed.

So that’s it. I’ve said my peace. If there’s something you’re missing, that I should be doing, please let me know. I’m open to suggestions, as well as to new writers.

Thanks for reading.

Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.

Check out this story from new Rogue, Keith R. Higgons.

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