But for different reasons.

Since the death of the Strange New Worlds anthologies that Dean Smith used to edit, I've had it as a primary goal to win Writers of the Future. As my first sale. Because I liked so much the thought of entering the field through this time-honored portal, out of which so many current professionals previously appeared. And also because I wouldn't have to go head-to-head with Names to do it. My competitors would be my peers.

Having achieved that, I decided to keep the bar high. No submissions to non-pro markets. Specific targetting on markets of high profile and professional pay. Since Analog is a venerable publication with a venerable editor, and is known even among pros for being a 'tough' market to get into, my acceptance there is as exciting as the WOTF win, but it's more professionally gratifying because it was a "win" where I competed for space head-to-head with working pros, some of whom have been in the field for decades. And to win with a novelette... Stan had to have really, really liked it to devote that kind of space to an unknown like me.

I definitely don't want it to sound like I am dissing WOTF, because I am not. I am a big fan of WOTF and I enjoy promoting it to all qualifying aspirants because there is NO MARKET BETTER than WOTF for the aspirant. None anywhere. For the money, the notoriety, the workshop, all of it. None. WOTF is the king, and as such, I am happy to be someone who can now say he "came out of" Writers of the Future, and I will always consider that a significant accolade.

But where do you go after WOTF?

Aim high, I say. That's the 'doctrine' the pros I have learned most from have always preached. Shoot for the top. And in SF & F right now, the Big Three are still the top. Some might disagree with or argue over that, but as I noted on a different thread, as long as the bulk of the Hugo and Nebula winning stories can be found in these markets, and as long as these markets are where the Names go to play, I consider these markets to be the kings of the field. Not the only place to make money, mind you, but still the best place to find a balance between money, notoriety, and competition.

Because part of the satisfaction of such a publication comes from knowing I am not at AAA level anymore. This is major league, at least for short form SF & F. How nice to step to the major league level, and score.

Analog, however, seeks the best. Mr Schmidt can be selective and prefer 'nitche' authors (Carl Frederick as an example), getting excepted is no small task.

Having you win this, and then getting in Analog immediately afterwards, makes me suspect we're watching a rising star (in you). Remember us when you're famous.

For those still eligible, I think it's madness to not submit to Writers of the Future. There is zero down side -- that I can see -- and I do believe that my win has helped get me out of Slush Level Zero with the editors I send to.

Bent, hey dude, don't be playa hatin', bra!

(wink)