So my 3rd for Q4? A rejection from somewhere else. That editor didn't have a place for it. Dave and the judges here did. At some point if it's good (and your stuff is good), it's a question of fit.[/quote]
Thanks. I think the fit thing is a reality in this business. And congrats BTW for winning third!!!! That's so huge! HUGE!
I've told myself I want to send stuff here first because, well, it has the best payout (not just money but connections, prestige, week-long trip for EDUCATION etc.) So... I'll likely keep sending and then get my rejection and submit elsewhere. It'd be a dream to win--but it'd also be a dream to pro-out (which also seems to be part of this contest, encouraging writers to keep producing). I see Ishmael on the threads and think, dude, this guy is awesome. Classy. Persistence and eventually, payout. So I'll just tag my few certificates on the wall and keep chugging.
PS. You should write about your week-long conference experience this spring. I'm sure I'm not the only one pouring over the threads and blog posts about it. Gotta fuel the dream. Peace.