Considered Published

[elbib]

Hello!

If an article or short story is posted in the short story section, are they considered 'published' material? Most contest ask for unpublished work, so I want to make sure I'm not breaking the rules.

Thanks - elbib

[wgjones3]

Most of these contests define a published writer as one who has had a book published and/or had articles which appeared in printed periodicals (a.k.a. as hard copy magazines you can hold in your hand and weren't printed off somebody's computer). Typically you're okay on anything you've has published online as long as you weren't paid for it, and some of these people are snooty enough to consider you unpublished at all even if you've been making mega bucks getting stuff published online.

[elbib]

wgjones3,

Thank you for the information. I appreciate it!

Have a wonderful day - elbib

[wgjones3]

You're welcome. Glad I could help. !thumbsup!

[DrRita]

If you post your work on the internet in an open form (such as this or any other writer's forum) for viewing or critique, many publishers considered it published unless they state otherwise. This forum, however, provides private critique groups which are not open to the public or the casual guest browser so if you post your work in one of these private groups, it would not be considered "published." If you want to be safe, don't post work you may want to submit to an editor in the workshop areas. I hope this helps. :o

[elbib]

DrRita,

Thank you as well.

Sincerely - elbib

[elbib]

If I submitted a story here, would it be in bad taste to ask for it not to be considered?

I really wanted to enter it in a contest, but it has to be unpublished.

Thanks - elbib

[DrRita]

Did the contest rules qualify what "published" means. Some contests rules will qualify published and exclude posting on writers' forums and online critique groups as being published. If the rules do not mention it, I would ask. Have you already entered the story? If so, just wait and see what happens or else just send a note and tell them where you posted it. It may yet be okay.

[elbib]

I have not entered it yet. I wanted to let it sit for a while first.

The contest is for Writer's Digest. Are you familiar with this contest?

The rules say - must be in English, original, unpublished, and not submitted elsewhere... however, it goes on to state that if you are not a finalist, you may 'market' your story elsewhere.

You are right. I will contact Writer's Digest and ask.

Thanks again - elbib

[elbib]

I received a reply from Writer's Digest. They consider posting on a website published.

Thanks - elbib

[DrRita]

I'm sorry about that. I know many people do not realize that in open forums, posting can be considered publishing. I didn't find out until I'd posted a bunch of stuff on another forum. I had to delete it all but its a little late by then. Oh well :( At least I found out. That's why I rarely post anything. Hope you work it out with Writer's Digest. May God grant you favor on your submission.

[elbib]

Thank you, DrRita.

Miss Rebecca is assisting me. She is pulling my story out of the submission process. I will be able to enter it in the Writer's Digest Contest.

You all have been extremely helpful and kind.

Thank you - elbib

[mdmcginn]

I believe Forward Motion (http://www.fmwriters.com/) specifically says that works in progress posted in forums which require passwords are not to be considered published. But you don't need a password to read Writer's Workshop, so I guess that's different. How unfortunate. One of the main concerns is that when you sell your work, First Publication Rights are the most lucrative. Sure, a publisher might buy something from the Internet, but may try to pay less for it if they can claim that people have already read it.