Almost Success - The "Mixed Feelings" Thread

[morganb]

Dang! So close!
I had a story that was being held for consideration by a semi-pro magazine. I sent them a follow-up after their deadline had passed for getting back to me. The editor told me it's a strong story; they just can't use it at this time. But . . . he also said if the story hasn't sold by September, to please let him know if it's still available for consideration in their Fall issue. Never been so excited about a rejection before!

~Morgan

So... did you let him know (or sell it already)?

I did, in fact, resend it to him just last week. No promises, of course, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

~Morgan

[RSchibler]

I got my second personal rejection from F&SF this morning. It's nice that I'm getting closer, but as I near 50 rejections for 2018 (I know, still a n00b) the hamster wheel is starting to feel more like a treadmill every day. So close, but close don't cut it. Onwards!

[LDWriter2]

I got my second personal rejection from F&SF this morning. It's nice that I'm getting closer, but as I near 50 rejections for 2018 (I know, still a n00b) the hamster wheel is starting to feel more like a treadmill every day. So close, but close don't cut it. Onwards!

Not bad and I know that feeling which might be why I have so much trouble remembering to send out stories again.

[AlexH]

I had my first personal rejection from a pro market this week (I posted about being 3rd in the queue for ages a couple of weeks ago). They'll reconsider if I make changes! Now I just need to figure out those changes...

[VinSev]

So I got a personal rejection letter today, from C.C. Finlay of F&SF, and he was kind enough to explain what hadn't worked for him about my story. He also said that my writing was very good, and to keep submitting to F&SF. You can imagine how pleased I was to hear that, and I'm excited because now I have something to work with in terms of revisions.

This was my second time submitting to a pro journal, so I'm really happy that this happened. What I'm wondering is if this is the kind of message one should reply to. I know that if you get a form rejection you shouldn't, but since this was from the editor personally I was thinking I should, if just to say thank you.

Would anyone with a bit more experience than me care to weigh in?

[michaeljwyantjr]

So I got a personal rejection letter today, from C.C. Finlay of F&SF, and he was kind enough to explain what hadn't worked for him about my story. He also said that my writing was very good, and to keep submitting to F&SF. You can imagine how pleased I was to hear that, and I'm excited because now I have something to work with in terms of revisions.

This was my second time submitting to a pro journal, so I'm really happy that this happened. What I'm wondering is if this is the kind of message one should reply to. I know that if you a form rejection you shouldn't, but since this was from the editor personally I was thinking I should, if just to say thank you.

Would anyone with a bit more experience than me care to weigh in?

Finlay is awesome. I don’t know if it’s kosher, but I always send a thank you for personal rejections. Just seems like the right thing to do when an editor takes time to send feedback.

[Sataris]

So I got a personal rejection letter today, from C.C. Finlay of F&SF, and he was kind enough to explain what hadn't worked for him about my story. He also said that my writing was very good, and to keep submitting to F&SF. You can imagine how pleased I was to hear that, and I'm excited because now I have something to work with in terms of revisions.

This was my second time submitting to a pro journal, so I'm really happy that this happened. What I'm wondering is if this is the kind of message one should reply to. I know that if you get a form rejection you shouldn't, but since this was from the editor personally I was thinking I should, if just to say thank you.

Would anyone with a bit more experience than me care to weigh in?

Congrats!

I wouldn't respond, personally, though I can't imagine he'd fault you for it. He's stated in the past that he sees cover letters as a way to keep in touch with writers, and that he loves hearing that the feedback that he and the readers give is helping people out, so if you want to thank him, maybe jot a quick note at the end of your next cover letter? he's also really active/friendly on Twitter

[Eagerink]

Does anyone know of a market that likes stories that are lighter than most? Like not quite children's stories, but without many dark elements, though still with a purpose and meaning and all that, especially symbolically. I consider them to be what Dave calls the wonder genre. I'm not sure where to send them, as it seems to me that a lot of markets nowadays prefer darker stories, which I sometimes write as well... but I feel like most markets probably wouldn't be interested in the lighter stories... maybe I'm just imagining it though. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
-Eagerink

[disgruntledpeony]

Does anyone know of a market that likes stories that are lighter than most? Like not quite children's stories, but without many dark elements, though still with a purpose and meaning and all that, especially symbolically. I consider them to be what Dave calls the wonder genre. I'm not sure where to send them, as it seems to me that a lot of markets nowadays prefer darker stories, which I sometimes write as well... but I feel like most markets probably wouldn't be interested in the lighter stories... maybe I'm just imagining it though. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
-Eagerink

First, don't self reject. If a given market takes your genre/wordcount, there's no reason not to submit. You never know what an editor will want (although reading what's in their magazines will give you more of an educated guess). Secondly, there's a market I see periodically on the Grinder called Deep Magic that might be in your wheelhouse if I'm remembering correctly (although I recall it potentially not taking stories more than 3k or 4k, which is why I generally don't get to submit there).

[RSchibler]

Deep Magic explicitly says they're the dominant magazine for clean science fiction and fantasy, but I agree with Peony. Just because your story/writing is lighter doesn't mean markets that publish darker stuff won't like it. Your story might be the upbeat their issue needs, so send it anyway. (FYI Deep Magic takes stories up to 40k but caps payment at 10k).

[disgruntledpeony]

Deep Magic explicitly says they're the dominant magazine for clean science fiction and fantasy, but I agree with Peony. Just because your story/writing is lighter doesn't mean markets that publish darker stuff won't like it. Your story might be the upbeat their issue needs, so send it anyway. (FYI Deep Magic takes stories up to 40k but caps payment at 10k).

Okay! It might be that I don't consider my stories clean enough, then. ...Maybe I'm self rejecting.

[RSchibler]

I've waffled about submitting to them before, but often use a few swear words or have some mild violence in my stories so I haven't.

[chuckt]

I've waffled about submitting to them before, but often use a few swear words or have some mild violence in my stories so I haven't.

I'm glad to read this. So far (which is not many) mine do have some cursing including the F-bomb. I figure if they like the story the curse words won't deter them??? They can easily be edited out???

[RSchibler]

I would edit them out for submission to that market, personally.

[disgruntledpeony]

I've waffled about submitting to them before, but often use a few swear words or have some mild violence in my stories so I haven't.

I'm glad to read this. So far (which is not many) mine do have some cursing including the F-bomb. I figure if they like the story the curse words won't deter them??? They can easily be edited out???

I would avoid F-bombs in WotF, and swearing in general in Deep Magic. Since they can, as you said, be easily edited out, it's best to do so when sending them to markets that aren't fond of them. Tailoring a story to the market you're submitting for with regards to things like that is actually fairly wise, in my opinion--that's following submission guidelines.

Always read submission guidelines, by the way. They're very helpful in helping you get a feel for the market.

[Dragonchef]

I would avoid F-bombs in WotF, and swearing in general in Deep Magic. Since they can, as you said, be easily edited out,

Another choice is...create new cuss words that won't offend.
F_Bombs, for instance:
Farscape was famous for, Frell, As in: "What the Frell were you thinking, or "Shut the frell up!"
BattleStar Galactica had their onw version of the "F" bomb...FRACK!

We are writers. We create new worlds with new names for our worlds and new words in languages never before heard. Just because George R. R. Martin uses English color, doesn't mean we need to do the same. If the Spanish can create "Chinga-te" for our FU, surely we can create our own version of it, yes?

"Fujyoo and Fujheet! I refuse to acknowledge this clean language barrier."

Just a thought. Take it or leave it.

[chuckt]

Words to the wise. Thanks. I do always read the submission guidelines but I've only seen a couple that say don't do it. Eventually, I plan to read enough from every mag to get a feel for this kind of thing. I've started on it but the project is going to take a while!

[Dragonchef]

There was another I forgot to mention: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. Robert inserted a combination of just a few words uttered by several of the characters, a simple enough phrase but one that caused other characters' blood to freeze: "Ashes. Blood and ashes!" Not cuss words to us as readers, but to other characters within earshot, it was abominable. Creation of your own disgusting words can be fun.
For those of you old enough to remember Mork and Mindy...Shazbot! was said by Mork quite often. Any takers on the translation?

[disgruntledpeony]

Words to the wise. Thanks. I do always read the submission guidelines but I've only seen a couple that say don't do it. Eventually, I plan to read enough from every mag to get a feel for this kind of thing. I've started on it but the project is going to take a while!

You don't have to write to please every magazine all the time. Most of the time, you just have to remember Shunn manuscript format. However, some places require anonymous submissions (like this contest) or some other requirement that is significant enough I feel I need to save an alternate draft specifically for that market.

[Dragonchef]

I feel I need to save an alternate draft specifically for that market.

I thought I was the only anal one out there that did this. Peony, you are my sister!

[disgruntledpeony]

I feel I need to save an alternate draft specifically for that market.

I thought I was the only anal one out there that did this. Peony, you are my sister!

It's just a safe bet.

[Eagerink]

Thanks everyone :)

[DaneCurley]

Today: "We look forward to reading more of your work in the future and hope that this piece finds a home as well."

Well that is a very nice way to say "not this time!"

[disgruntledpeony]

Today: "We look forward to reading more of your work in the future and hope that this piece finds a home as well."

Well that is a very nice way to say "not this time!"

It means they want you to send them more. That's a good sign!

[RSchibler]

Those are always hard to get but encouraging! Better than the “doesn’t suit our needs” but not as good as the mythical acceptances. Sympathies and encouragement!

[chuckt]

Had one make it out of the Galaxy's Edge slush pile. Mike Resnick just sent me a brief rejection email. No feedback. But I feel good it made it to his desk. I admire Mike a lot.

"this is just one editor's decision . . . I wish you every success placing it elsewhere." Oh well.

[DaneCurley]

Had one make it out of the Galaxy's Edge slush pile. Mike Resnick just sent me a brief rejection email. No feedback. But I feel good it made it to his desk. I admire Mike a lot.

"this is just one editor's decision . . . I wish you every success placing it elsewhere." Oh well.

I can't even get a confirmation of receipt from Galaxy's Edge, so your reply is a golden token as far as I am concerned, lol.
64 days out and I don't even know if they have it. And as they do not accept simultaneous submissions, it's pretty unfortunate for me.

[chuckt]

Had one make it out of the Galaxy's Edge slush pile. Mike Resnick just sent me a brief rejection email. No feedback. But I feel good it made it to his desk. I admire Mike a lot.

"this is just one editor's decision . . . I wish you every success placing it elsewhere." Oh well.

I can't even get a confirmation of receipt from Galaxy's Edge, so your reply is a golden token as far as I am concerned, lol.
64 days out and I don't even know if they have it. And as they do not accept simultaneous submissions, it's pretty unfortunate for me.

I submitted 1/15 and just heard from Mike last night. However, I emailed them in March and got an update and was told it made it out of slush. I assume you emailed them. SubInq@GalaxysEdge.com Mike had a serious medical event so I'm sure that has impacted things. I got a really lovely rejection on my first story to them last year. Their reader, Jean Rabe, is crazy-nice (as in "very nice," not "crazy and nice") :)

[DaneCurley]

I submitted 1/15 and just heard from Mike last night. However, I emailed them in March and got an update and was told it made it out of slush. I assume you emailed them. SubInq@GalaxysEdge.com Mike had a serious medical event so I'm sure that has impacted things. I got a really lovely rejection on my first story to them last year. Their reader, Jean Rabe, is crazy-nice (as in "very nice," not "crazy and nice") :)

I did email them there back in late February 27 (one month after submission). No reply.
Sorry to hear about Mike's situation. Did not know that!

Did you get an automated receipt when you initially submitted it on 1/15? I did not get one.

[chuckt]

Did you get an automated receipt when you initially submitted it on 1/15? I did not get one.

I didn't. Looking at my old emails, looks like they don't use one of those submission systems. You just email your story.