Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Question on Rewrite and Publishing

This is topic Question on Rewrite and Publishing in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Keeley (Member # 2088) on :

I'm considering sending one of my rewrites from the Rewrite Challenge to a publisher. When I send it in, do I need to explain in the cover letter that it's a rewrite of another story?

Posted by Rahl22 (Member # 1411) on :

Is it a rewrite of a story that YOU wrote? If so, then you don't need to tell them--unless you've published that other story elsewhere.

If it is a rewrite of someone else's story, well then you don't technically have the right to publish it with anyone, unless you have explicit copyright permission.

Posted by Keeley (Member # 2088) on :

The Rewrite Challenge (it's here on Hatrack) uses stories that are public domain. As far as I know, if a rewrite is based on a story in the public domain, it can be published.

Posted by MaryRobinette (Member # 1680) on :

I've wondered that myself, but I decided it was best to let the story stand on its own merits. If you have to know the original story for the rewrite to work then the rewrite isn't working to its fullest potential. On the other hand, I haven't gotten mine published yet, and Dakota has.

What did you write in your cover letter Dakota?

Posted by Robyn_Hood (Member # 2083) on :

I think part of it depends on how you are doing your re-write.

If you are simply re-telling the story, then it will be obvious where the story came from. You may want to make a comment about why you chose to re-write it, bu that would be up to you.

If you are simply re-using the plot to create your own story, I think it might be a little more complex. If the story itself is different enough, you probably don't have to say anything. However, if the story sounds familliar without being obvious, it might be a good idea to mention where the story came from and why you wrote it.

Posted by Keeley (Member # 2088) on :

That's part of the problem, RH. I don't know what it looks like on the outside. Some of the elements are pretty strong and recognizable to me, but others are very, very different (especially the ending). I've been looking it over so many times that I'm just too close to it to really tell.

Posted by Robyn_Hood (Member # 2083) on :

I know you would have posted it for the re-write challenge, but how about posting 13-lines in F&F and ask for readers. Don't give any background on the what story you re-wrote and ask for general impressions.

Personally, (if it's the story I'm thinking of) in your cover letter, mention that the story was inspired by ....... and is the product of a writer's challenge. I don't know if you really need to do more than that; even then, I don't think you have to identify the plot source.

[This message has been edited by Robyn_Hood (edited November 16, 2004).]

Posted by Keeley (Member # 2088) on :

I hate doing that because I haven't really had any time to review lately and I won't in the near future. Also, there may be some reading this thread who haven't posted, but would know they were looking for a rewrite when they saw the story.

I'll do it though. It'll be interesting to see what other people think of it.

This is assuming, of course, that anyone's willing to take a look at the monster.

Posted by GZ (Member # 1374) on :

I have submitted in the past a few stories that were retellings/variations on farie tales. I didn't put anything in the cover letters, and I didn't get any feed back that I should have. None have been accepted yet either, though that wasn't given as the reason. <shurg>

Either it's going to be obvious what you are referencing or its so changed they might not pick up on it because it is basically a new story. Either way, the inspiration (so long as it is in the public domain) doesn't seem at issue. I certianlly wouldn't mention it was part of a challenge. They don't care, and it seems a bit amatuish sounding, IMO.

I see quite a few retellings/referenced stories in the magazines, so they are out there. Farie tales, folk tales, Chtulthu (sp?) Mythos (Weird Tales on that one for the most part), to name a few.

Posted by EricJamesStone (Member # 1681) on :

I agree with GZ.

There is no point in mentioning either the original story you're retelling nor the fact that it was written as a challenge.

Just submit the story with the same sort of cover letter you would use for any other story.

Posted by Keeley (Member # 2088) on :

Thank you to everyone who's replied so far.

I think I'll let the story stand on its own. If anyone asks, I'll tell them, but only if they ask.

Posted by djvdakota (Member # 2002) on :

My cover letter, MaryRobinette, said, and I quote:

"Please consider the following story for publication."

That's all. I've read in numerous places that beginning writers should keep it short, sweet, and to the point, and that the main thing editors look for is a list of credentials to wow them with--which I don't have...er, didn't.
From the research I've done, I don't know that it's helpful at all to mention where you came up with the idea for your story. I, personally, don't want the cover letter to sell my story anyway. I want the story to sell itself. So, instead of fretting over what should be included in your cover letter, I'd worry more about how well your story is written. I mean, if I were an editor I wouldn't want to waste my time reading a cover letter when it's the story I'm interested in.

And I have to say, I agree 100% with MaryRobinette on this:

quote:
If you have to know the original story for the rewrite to work then the rewrite isn't working to its fullest potential.