Fit for Publication

You carry books from door to door,
And hear, “Not what we’re look for.”
Yet every “no” can help you see
A path toward new opportunity.

A fruit stand may not want your tale,
No matter how your sales prevail.
That’s not saying your work was bad—
Only that it didn’t fit what they had.

Wise writers first take a look
Before presenting any book.
They learn the needs, the style, the way,
And shape their work to fit the day.

The read what publishers print,
And study every guideline and hint.
When what you write fits hand in glove,
Editors will respond with growing love.

A round peg in a square-holed place
Will keep struggling to find its space.
But skillful hands can trim and mold
Without surrendering words of gold.

Adapt your voice, but keep your heart.
Let wisdom guide your writing art.
The ones who learn to bend just right
Will be the ones who win the fight.

Then comes the day you hoped would be,
When editors need you and call faithfully.
“Send another story. We need it now.”
Persistence taught your pen just how.

So keep on writing. Don’t despair.
The market eagerly awaits out there.
Success belongs to those who write
The stories that publishers invite.