Revise and Invent
As I have mentioned, the theme of this collection is the problem writers have with editors.
This is no new attitude on my part, as can be seen by this story, which I put together in 1967. I tried it on seven markets without success. Editors just didn't appreciate it. Well, read it and find out why. Don't be fooled by its format; this is a story, not a letter column.
Normally editors return stories with uncommunicative rejection slips, but sometimes they do comment—and that can be mischief too, for the writer who is unwary enough to pay attention. After I had done four versions of a single story for an editor who kept making suggestions for revision, but kept bouncing the result, I wrote "Revise and Invent" and sent it to him—and he bounced it too. I knew he would; I just couldn't resist the temptation.
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Dear Editor, PACIFIC LITERARY MAGAZINE:
Enclosed is a short story, "Frustration," for your consideration. Any comment you care to make will be sincerely appreciated.
Yours Very Truly,
Jonathan B. Hoskins
Frustration