I've been apprenticing my writing since I could hold a pencil, but the years I spent as a fiction editor for Mid-American Review taught me why -- no matter how well something is written -- it can still fail to get published.

During my tenure at the Mid-Am, I was privileged and honored to be invited to speak to groups of writers interested in improving their chances of being published. I've culled my notes for the best advice I can give, and offer it to you here.

I hope that the best success awaits you, and that learning a little bit about What Editors Want will help you get there. Feel free to e-mail me with news of your success -- especially if something here helped in some way -- and I'll help share your news.

So... What Do Editors Want? Here's one former editor's list. Click each item to read more.

1. Editors want what they want, which isn't always what you want to send them. It's important to know the difference.

2. Editors want their guidelines respected.

3. More than anything else, Editors don't want to be bored.

4. Editors want to be astonished.

5. Editors don't want your drafts. They want your best writing.

6. Editors want to be treated as real people, not "editors."

7. Editors want you to trust them.

8. Editors want you to leave them alone when your part is done.

Copyright 2004 Ellen Behrens. All rights reserved.