Following Directions

I have always been a big proponent of following directions. On many writing assignments I've taken on, this has been vital--and when I was an editor, any writer who couldn't or wouldn't follow directions didn't receive further assignments. It's really a solid rule. Do it.

So you can imagine my mortification upon receiving an e-mail from one of the Strange Horizons editors today that stated I had not followed the "cover letter" guidelines. Cover letter guidelines? I pulled out the fiction guidelines I had printed off. Nowhere did it state specifications for the cover letter. I went back to the website. There, on the submission upload page, is a very clear link to their cover letter requirements. I failed them, utterly and completely.

They are very kindly still reviewing my submission, and I sent a very brief e-mail to the effect that I appreciated having the guidelines pointed out to me and that I would be sure to follow them in the future.

*sigh*

Note: There is sadly not a "mortified" mood in the mood selection I have chosen, else I would label this as such.