In 2022, I started collecting photos of Durham’s book boxes. I asked local people to send me snaps of theirs. I ventured into neighborhoods that I don't live near to investigate the ones that I learned about. I interviewed the amazing woman (Hi Kat!) who had put together a map to our 200+ book boxes, both official Little Free Libraries and unbranded kiosks. I had an idea to write an article about them and began searching for the hook. What makes this cool idea an actual story? I did some research, talked to someone else and kept collecting photos. Once I had my hook, I decided I would pitch Durham Magazine.
If you've ever pitched someone something of yours - to sell your jewelry/pottery/belt bags/tea towels or to give out your business cards, talk up your summer camp - you know it can be a humbling experience. You're trying to convince someone to do your a favor (what it may feel like to them) by telling them what they (may) get. Sometimes it's a mismatch. Your mugs are too expensive for their shop or they already have allegiance to another realtor and decline your cards. But with Durham Magazine, I felt like my pitch - which spoke to community building, Durhamites' generosity of spirit and the strange pricelessness of free books - was perfect for their audience.
One of my fave little libraries. photo credit: me
And yet, I heard nothing.
I followed up a week later.
Nothing.
And that, my friends, is where the story ends. Nothing came of all my work and the amazing photos friends and contacts sent. It's a shame because I think those book boxes make a terrific story - - better than one more feature on a $14 cocktail anyway!--and it was not to be. I still love book boxes but I'm also sad and more than a little embarrassed because it says something about me that I'd rather not be said. It says "failure". UGH! I hate that.
So that's my confession! What about you? Got one? What do you need to come clean about? And--lol, it's FINE if not. Just glad you're here to witness mine. THAT makes it a bit better. <3
This is timeless and I urge you to keep pitching. Yellow Arrow Journal or Off Assignment may be two potential outlets. We have a book box at our local lake, and it’s nice. There’s also a vintage one in a nearby town I’m enchanted with. I dig it!
How kind! Thank you for offering those two options as places to pitch my book box piece, Michelle. I will definitely check out. And a vintage book box! 😍I’m envious.
Oh no, Elizabeth, what a disappointment that they didn't take your pitch. Pitches can be rejected for any reason -- maybe they didn't want to take a chance on a new writer, maybe they don't see that particular article fitting in with upcoming issues. It's so rarely about the writer.
I think that a story about the various Little Free Libraries in Durham would be such a fun read. Have you considered pitching to the IndyWeek? You'll also want to make sure you're formatting your pitch correctly and reaching out to the right editor; I recommend The ByLine Bible by Susan Shapiro (it's probably at the library) for all kinds of insider knowledge about pitching to magazines. She's a former professor of mine and she really knows her stuff.
Thanks Allison. :/ Indy Week is a good thought; I hadn’t considered them mainly because the accompanying photos are so glossy, perfect they felt magazine-ready. And yes, right before Catapult classes shut down I took a fabulous pitching class. So I think the pitch was actually good. I think they’re really focused elsewhere, it seems. Oh well! Appreciate the kind thoughts though. <3
I guess what I need to get off my chest is that ... I'm prone to giving unsolicited advice. Ha! Sorry if I jumped in there with information you already knew. I had my "teaching" hat on, and it's hard to take that off sometimes. I hope you'll write about the subject, no matter what, because I'd love to read it. I have been seeing Little Free Libraries here in Brighton, too!
I don't know that I should be posting my confessions on the internet! I will confess that I am chronically online which is why I don't finish reading nearly as many books or writing projects as I should.
lol! It’s always interesting to me what people feel compelled to respond to or not! so I figured I would put it out there if anyone wanted to join my confession session and assume that most would not. I very much appreciate your solidarity Gloria 🙌🏽😘
I think the pictures of book boxes would make an excellent jigsaw puzzle. Like the ones of cool doors and windows.
Oooh, Susannah! Good idea! And they have words too. I love puzzles with words.
This is timeless and I urge you to keep pitching. Yellow Arrow Journal or Off Assignment may be two potential outlets. We have a book box at our local lake, and it’s nice. There’s also a vintage one in a nearby town I’m enchanted with. I dig it!
How kind! Thank you for offering those two options as places to pitch my book box piece, Michelle. I will definitely check out. And a vintage book box! 😍I’m envious.
Oh no, Elizabeth, what a disappointment that they didn't take your pitch. Pitches can be rejected for any reason -- maybe they didn't want to take a chance on a new writer, maybe they don't see that particular article fitting in with upcoming issues. It's so rarely about the writer.
I think that a story about the various Little Free Libraries in Durham would be such a fun read. Have you considered pitching to the IndyWeek? You'll also want to make sure you're formatting your pitch correctly and reaching out to the right editor; I recommend The ByLine Bible by Susan Shapiro (it's probably at the library) for all kinds of insider knowledge about pitching to magazines. She's a former professor of mine and she really knows her stuff.
Good luck!
Thanks Allison. :/ Indy Week is a good thought; I hadn’t considered them mainly because the accompanying photos are so glossy, perfect they felt magazine-ready. And yes, right before Catapult classes shut down I took a fabulous pitching class. So I think the pitch was actually good. I think they’re really focused elsewhere, it seems. Oh well! Appreciate the kind thoughts though. <3
I guess what I need to get off my chest is that ... I'm prone to giving unsolicited advice. Ha! Sorry if I jumped in there with information you already knew. I had my "teaching" hat on, and it's hard to take that off sometimes. I hope you'll write about the subject, no matter what, because I'd love to read it. I have been seeing Little Free Libraries here in Brighton, too!
Haha! No, I love (and need!) that teaching hat, Allison. You’re asking good questions and I’m 100% here for it. Thank you and thank you. :-)
I don't know that I should be posting my confessions on the internet! I will confess that I am chronically online which is why I don't finish reading nearly as many books or writing projects as I should.
lol! It’s always interesting to me what people feel compelled to respond to or not! so I figured I would put it out there if anyone wanted to join my confession session and assume that most would not. I very much appreciate your solidarity Gloria 🙌🏽😘