• One editor was very apologetic to say that her paper was cutting back, and so they couldn’t use my cartoon for a while. (However, since I’m the only cartoon in there, and we have a really good rapport, I think she’ll be back.)
• One editor never let me know about the batch of cartoons I emailed last month. I even called about them. Finally, I emailed to ask again about them, and she said, “we rejected those weeks ago, Donna! I hope we can get your work back on track soon.” That’s chutzpah! A rejection, an insult, and a lie, all in one email! She has lied at least twice more this year about emails – never letting me know the verdict, so I don’t send any more, since I’m waiting to hear. What can you do about a liar? Truly, I understand when editors don’t like my work – fine, screw ‘em. But this is more passive-aggressive. Please, people, don’t fold on that important contract!!
• I have an interesting, different kind of contract sitting on my desk, but haven’t made any progress in getting changes I want (need).
• An art director for a law magazine said my work looks great!

• When I commented that a publication was buying less of my cartoons, I got: “it just boils down to personal taste and sense of humor.” Cartoonists get this a lot from ignorant editors. Humor is subjective up to a point. If an editor can define what they want in articles, why not in cartoons? Editing isn’t a mystery, or it shouldn’t be. Do they find art so scary they can no longer express themselves in English? Do words fail them, so they can’t say, we need more/less business/science? Or, more likely, we like our usual cartoonists, love them so much, because we’re afraid to change? (I know what the problem is: new editor. None of their cartoons are funny anymore. But I still submit, because children need to learn.)
• I asked for a raise from one of my papers that uses my feature, Daily Special. I’m very proud to be in Minneapolis Star Tribune, in the award-winning Taste section, but to ask for a raise, this year, this month? Dicey, but I have no choice. Everything costs more. I didn’t hear from the editor, which concerned me, but the accountant there needed a contract for next year, so I talked with him. Turns out their email was down for a while, and she didn’t get the email. So today she replied: “I really like having you in our section! Keep up the good work!” And I got the raise. Compliment corner!
• I left a voice mail for an editor at a big magazine I’ve never sold to before, mostly just to get information. No reply, so I called him again a few days later, and he said (in about 15 seconds), “Oh yes, you left me a very interesting message, but I won’t be able to get back to you until early next week.” I said “Interesting?” Always a good sign when an editor finds you interesting rather than annoying! But he was in a huge hurry, so I just said, great, thanks, bye. I hope he wasn’t just trying to get me off the phone. I hope he calls this week!

So, a couple bad, some neutral, some good. I live on hope, and the kindness of some editors.

So how was your week?

More cartoons:

1. Ted Rall gives Time Magazine what for.
2. Any cartoon gag writers left?

Me. /small voice.

An important editor is coming to LA on Wednesday, and we’re going to meet for the first time. EEk!! My first thought: what should I wear? I mean, I know what I SHOULD wear: a summer frock and high strappy sandals. But I don’t have a frock, and my sandals are at the dry cleaners. Really, what should I wear?

And I’ve been working out more for a month. Not just running, but yoga and ballet, too. I can see a little difference, but not enough to make me happy. I’ve also been whitening my teeth, but those strips are so annoying, I keep “forgetting” to put them in each day. I got a haircut, too! Some days it looks good. Better do something about my nails, too.

But it’s not just the looks, oh no. It’s what to talk about. I need to ask for a raise. Renegotiate. But I don’t want to be crass, in my not-summer frock. If I was thinner, I’d wear a dress with lots of spring colorful flowers on it, to distract him from business. I remember one like this from 8th grade… Maybe I should wear a headband.

I rarely meet editors out here. I’ve met only a couple in NY. I met both of my book editors at BookExpo, so that was fun. I’m honestly curious about them, and I think I’ll just pepper him with questions about himself and his glamorous job. Marty Murphy said firmly, “Just be yourself.” Okay, maybe I’ll try that one, too.

*Update: Meeting is postponed until Labor Day week. Phew! I hurt my toe in my nervousness, so I’m hobbling a bit, anyway.

______________________

A male friend writes:

Good luck with your big meeting. Be optimistic! Remember that you’re incredibly talented, intelligent, charming, pretty, thin, etc., etc.!!

And don’t forget to wear a headband!!! (That always works.)

More cartoons:

1. Trader Joe’s does it again. Bad pie, TJ.
2. Chocolate for Octomom.