Let's Pick on Romance Writers Some More

I learned, mere seconds ago, that the RWA gives "Pro pins" to writers who have finished and submitted a manuscript. (From Anna Louise, natch.) Not to, as one might guess from the name, published writers, or even writers who have a book under contract. No, a "Pro," in RWA circles, is someone who managed to get a book into a slushpile.

Let's just stop for a second to think about that...

OK. That's long enough to think. I don't even want to rant about the ridiculously low bar here -- well, I do, but then I'd be here all day -- but the whole thing is just so sadly Special Olympics to me. It's like you get a ribbon just for showing up at the Romance door.

"Aw! Your novel is horrible! But you get this shiny medal just for participating!"

Maybe this isn't seen as condescending over in their pasture, but it sure looks that way from here. It's as if SFWA had a "Nice Try" membership level -- collect a dozen rejections from professional publications, and you can get in anyway!