Saturday 2 April 2011

The Weekly News

A quick plea today - for help from anyone who writes for 'The Weekly News'. I had a story accepted by them last June, which was very pleasing as I'd tried them for a while without success. In February, I had an e-mail from the editor Jill, explaining that she'd had computer problems and listing all the stories whose contributors may not be aware that they'd already been published. Apparently mine was published in the 1 January edition. Jill promised that any outstanding contributor copies would be posted shortly. I haven't received a copy yet. I politely queried this with Jill a couple of weeks ago, but still haven't had a reply. I realise it might still be 'on its way', but rather than wait and risk not getting a copy, I've been searching the internet to see if there's anywhere I can buy a back issue, but I'm not having any luck. I feel quite sad about it as, in over 20 years of having short stories published I've never missed having a copy of one for my file before. I'm quite happy to pay for it, but as I wasn't aware of when it was published I'm afraid I might have missed out. Has anyone else had a problem? Any ideas how I can solve it? Thanks for your help!

13 comments:

  1. You can get back issues of the Weekly News from their sales department. I used the email address twallace@dcthomson.co.uk, though of course that individual may have moved on. If you phone D C Thomson I'm sure they'll direct you to the right place.

    Having said that, don't give up on Jill sending one just yet. I also had a story accepted in September that got caught up in the computer mishap. I missed the publication - and am also still waiting to be paid! - but Jill did send me a pdf of the story in the paper a few weeks ago and said she is still working on back copies. I also haven't heard about my payment chase for the last couple of weeks, so it's possible she's away at the moment.

    Hope you can get it sorted out soon.

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  2. Thanks, Bernadette. That's very reassuring. It seems I'm lucky, as I did at least get paid, back in August! I won't give up then, but at least I now know I have the option of a back copy. Maybe I'm just being a bit impatient! :)

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  3. Sheila, I've just been through my massive pile of back issues and found this copy. Who said it's daft to never throw anything out? The cover page's missing - don't know what happened to that, but the rest seems to be there and your story is on page 25 (An Italian Wedding) - and it's a great read.

    As Bernadette said, Jill may well send a copy (I got a pdf of one of mine just a few weeks ago), but I know I'd be eager to see it as soon as poss, so if you want to send me your address, I'll pop it in the post next week:

    suzanne(at)jones4582(dot)freeserve(dot)co(dot)uk

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  4. Bernadette, which issue was your story in? - I can have a look to see if I've a copy of that one, too.

    XX
    (sorry for hi-jacking the comments)

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  5. Hi Suzanne

    Mine was in November 27th issue. It would be great to have a copy if you have it. If you do, I'll send the address.

    Thanks

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  6. Hi Bernadette

    Yes, I have that one, too. Loved the story - Ruth's a great character.

    XX

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  7. I missed out on getting a copy of one of mine as well. It was a Christmas story so I think it was in a late Dec mag. I haven't given up on receiving a copy from TWN yet though!

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  8. Thanks Suzanne - I've sent you a mail (though I think your email address above is a bit wonky!)

    Sorry for hijacking, Olivia!

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  9. It hasn't come through, Bernadette - that's what happens when I try to outwit spammers.

    suzanne(at)jones4582.freeserve.co.uk

    Hope that works, if not I have another e-mail address at google which we can try.

    Sorry, Olivia.

    X

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  10. It's so brilliant that you found a copy Suzanne, I'm impressed :o)

    I feel for you Olivia, as I somwehow missed my first ever published story in the weekly Tab and have never been able to find it.

    (Nov 2009, issue forty-something Suzanne, just in case!!)

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  11. Hello all - I've been out, and only just caught up with all this!
    Well, I am SO impressed by what can happen when you put something on a blog! I've said it before and I'll say it again - writers are such a supportive and generous breed of people to each other.
    Thank you so much, Suzanne. I'll e-mail you my address right now, although I'd like to know if there's a way I can pay you for the postage. I'm really glad you did keep all those back copies! x

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  12. It is so disappointing if you can't get a copy of your story when published. Well done Suzanne for keeping back copies. (I'll know who to contact when I'm next in this predicament!)

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  13. I agree, Joanne - Suzanne has really been a friend in need!

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