I generally take my rejection with grin, angst or a
pondering hmmm … depending on the fashion of the rejection. I had a short story
out for, wait for it, eighteen months. I will leave the name of the magazine
and editor alone only because it is a market that I have
published with before and hope to again. That said, as I type this and the
thoughts of a lost eighteen months fume in my head, I wonder if I ever will submit again.
So, here’s my brief tale and I am certain I am not alone
with this.
I submitted a story to a magazine (print) market 18 mos. and
some days ago. The guidelines stated it would be a six month wait before the
submitters would hear back, no kidding. So, patiently I waited the six months and
gave them another thirty days prior to my inquiry. Expecting a quick, “Oh,
sorry. Here’s your form rejection letter.” Instead, I received this:
“Spyder,
Thank you for your query. During this past period we were
open for submissions we received a large amount of quality work, yours being
one of them. Although we are beyond our reading and reply period, we ask for
your patience. Our editor has been hard at working reviewing and deciding on
the stories he would like to purchase.
Your continued patience is appreciated.”
So, I am seven months committed, what’s a few more days,
perhaps week. Sure, try months. Three more months passed and frankly I was hard
at work on another project and had honestly forgotten about my ten month
submission (I know unacceptable, should always stay on top of it). I queried
once again, and:
“Spyder,
You are an extraordinarily patient writer (insert sucker). Your
work is one of three that we are looking to purchase. We are currently drafting
up the contracts and request your continued patience as we are in the midst of
changing some of our staff.
Kindest regards.”
By now, I am wondering if by staff they mean editor, I query
back.
“Spyder,
"Current editor remain in place, thank you for your query.”
Odd, I suppose but they’ve sucked me in this far. When I hit
the year mark with my story, I withdrew it. Told the magazine that the process
was unprofessional and unfair to the writer (me) … they agreed and accepted my withdrawal.
I floated the story in the meantime, about thirteen months after my initial
send-away.
I received a contract from the magazine, sixteen months to
the day I submitted my work. Now, I was really puzzled. I queried them and
received:
“Spyder,
We were hoping that the work was still available and that
you would be understanding enough to want to entertain our offer of publication.
Thank you”
I truncated part of this as they got into specifics on money
and “incentive” for my “hassles.” I sat on the contract for a month, never
hearing from them. Really, waiting to see myfate with the other market –
rejected.
I signed and returned the contract … crickets … more
crickets … yet more … until.
“Spyder,
Than you’re for submitting your story “X” unfortunately, it
is not right for our current needs. As you are probably aware our editions are
themed based and this submission comes to us at a time when our next
publication is looking for something other than what you have presented. Please
be sure to keep up with our guidelines.
Regards …”
I have my WTF query in with them now … crickets … sigh.
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