I wrote an essay, “One in 50 Million,” that was rejected by Skirt! magazine—a very cool women’s publication, which is now available only online. The magazine’s theme for that month was something like social issues that have affected you personally.
Skirt! had published an earlier essay of mine, “From Part Time to Parting Time.” The theme for that issue had been “narrow escapes.” My essay had been about leaving a job just before things got a lot worse at the organization.
My essay that Skirt! rejected was about being bullied, along with my (mostly women) colleagues, by a male boss. I’m not including the essay here, since after writing it, I wondered if I could be sued for libel over it. I don’t think I could, but I’m checking with attorneys. I don’t know why Skirt! rejected the essay—unless it was because they had the same concerns about libel as I did.
Read more about creative writing at my blog.
First of all, congratulations on getting one of your articles picked up by Skirt! Awesome.
As far as one of your articles being rejected, I do believe there may have been some concern about libel but if you mentioned no names and no one would be able to identify the place of business then it shouldn’t have been an issue.
I had a similar issue when I wrote my first book, Whatver! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age. I said some pretty derogatory things about some of my former colleagues as far as how I was treated. I had my attorney look it over before it was published and he said go with it so I did. I didn’t have any repercussions from my former employer but the book did become an Amazon Best Seller.
Thanks, Beverly:
Did I ask if I could interview you for an article (or series of articles) I’m going to write about boomers writing? They will be posted on the website Maturity Matters. I’d love to include you. Let me know. Tx. – Lynette