What’s More Ass Than Not Paying Writers?

Charging them fifty bucks to “reserve space” in weekly publication. If that isn’t enough, there’s an additional five dollar charge if you include more than one illustration.

The ad:

“Hollywood Weekly is seeking to showcase LA’s creative talent. Starting in our April 2007 issue, we will provide talented writers with the opportunity to display their work. We are currently accepting all submissions that are 1000 words,or less and contain no vulgar language. A fee of $49 is required to reserve space. One FREE photo may be submitted with each article, and there is a $5 per photo charge for additional photos.

“Although we can not guarantee that exposure in Hollywood Weekly will make you a star, we can insure that your article is published. We encourage all submissions, including short stories, poems, etc. “

This is assery at its finest, friends. Here’s a clue, Hollywood Weekly. Seasoned writers know they get paid to work, and not the other way around. New writers can’t afford the $50 submission fee. So who will you get? The people who are so ignorant they’ll eagerly part with their money just so a few people can see their name in print, and really, those are the ones you deserve.

There are plenty of places offering the same amount of exposure and it doesn’t cost a cent to contribute to them….and guess what? Mos to those places pay us! What a concept!
Why is Hollywood Weekly so special writers should pay them $50?

Ass.