There is an “old boy’s club” in publishing. It’s a bit of a misnomer – some of the boys are women – but there is one.
Actually, there’s quite a few of them.
They’re insular circles where people get invited to anthologies, asked to edit projects, do artwork, or publish things.
It’s hard to gain access to one. There are so many poseurs, wannabes, and think-they-cans out there (and that’s not counting the actual cons and ripoffs) that it is almost necessary to have a small group of people that you can count on.
Here’s the thing: It doesn’t matter.
You can spend a lot of time and energy trying to get noticed, accepted, and respected by these clubs. To be brought into the inner circle.
Don’t.
Be awesome instead. Be smart instead. Be creative instead. Find other people at your level – either at conventions or online – and bond with them.
Now more than ever, it’s possible to make your own successful network of trust with people you’ve worked with.
And if you meet the guru by the side of the road… write your way right past him