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Transcription: June 5, 1979 Seal Press
Seattle, WA 98111 Dear “Backbone 2” Editors, About a week ago I submitted a 30 page short story entitled ‘Mister Roger’s Cul-de-sac’ [Handwritten arrow pointing to sticker reading “This is a crime against women!”][1] to you for consideration for your magazine (I was careful to send it off before the coveted July 31st deadline). I consider it to be a well written, and very amusing piece of literature, and well worth an editor’s time to read it. Today it was returned to me without a single remark about why it was rejected. This leads me to believe one of four things:
I have found the vast majority of Northwest publications to be extremely narrow minded, a decade behind the times, and gutless; I’m sure “Backbone 2” will be no exception. [name and address redacted] Transcribed by Natalia Shevin |
[1] This sticker was likely added to the author’s submission when it was sent back to him, as a provocative statement that his insensitivity and chauvinism was part of what the feminist movement addressed.
[2] This handwritten addition was written by staff at Seal Press, making it clear that the author’s submission was not rejected on a literary basis, but rather because Seal Press clearly states it accepts submissions only from women.