Zero Blogs: Equestria Daily · 8:29pm Feb 14th, 2015
I'm a bit befuddled right now. Around two months ago, I attempted to submit From a Shimmer to a Shine (while it was still incomplete) to Equestria Daily; though I admit, it was just to see what would happen. After the submission was complete, I quickly forgot about it. So imagine my surprise when, a few days ago, one of them actually replied to the submission. Here's what he/she said.
"Thank you for submitting "From a Shimmer to a Shine" to Equestria Daily. While I found very few problems with the writing, the story itself devotes too many words to slightly altered scenes from "Rainbow Rocks." If you could focus more on the parts that you've changed and less on the parts near the beginning that we already know from the movie--and maybe also label the story with an "Alternate Universe" tag so readers will know they're in for something that comes out differently than the movie does--that would definitely help. And I'm glad to see your note at the end that you plan to do a lot more writing!"
At first, I was surprised that they even replied in the first place. But now, I'm a bit puzzled. The alternate universe tag, I get, but what about the chapters?
Is she saying that I should resubmit using the later chapters in the story? Or do they want me to rewrite the intro chapters and begin deviating from the source material earlier? I'm not sure what they mean by "focus on the parts you've changed."
I'm glad that this story got their attention, but how can (or even SHOULD) I make the changes?
Leave your suggestions in the comments, or a PM if you want to go more in-depth.
Zero.
P.S. Getting on EQD or on TV Tropes is pretty much the ultimate sign of success in the Brony community. And while my primary focus is to improve my writing, getting on one of those seems like a good secondary goal. But I'll need your help to do so. I'm confident we can do it.
Essentially what they're trying to say is :
A significant part of the beginning is overlapping or has too minor of a variation from with what's already happened in Rainbow Rocks to actually matter in the story and need to be written in. And that you should focus primarily on the parts that your story alters from the original events of Rainbow Rocks.
I'd suggest re-writing or editing, where applicable, as flexing those creative muscles helps avoid unnecessary scenes or things that have no deviation from Rainbow Rocks.
That's my understanding of it at least.
I'd like to let you know that what happened here is quite usual for EQD standards. Their pre-readers tend to reply to everyone, but they also like to take their time. A month or two, usually.
Also, their guidelines are extremely strict. I've tried submitting works of mine before, and haven't been accepted even once so far. In your place, I wouldn't lose my confidence over their rejection all that much. And I'd definitely not alter the story's plot just so it applies to their norms.
From what I've seen here on fimfiction, your story turned out well-written, as well as popular, considering it was your very first shot. Now, keep in mind it's merely your story concept bothering them, not your overall style of writing. So, whatever fic you plan on writing next is very likely to pass, if it won't be too close to any original MLP plot.
I don't want to discourage you, but my advice would be to settle for what you've already achieved, right now. Take one step at a time, success doesn't tend to happen overnight. You'll certainly write interesting stuff in the future, which might or might not get featured. I can only wish you the best of luck, either way.