DaneCurley wrote:"Did not place." Must mean Rejected? Very frustrating result for me, if so, as this story has received 3 editor's responses from major pro markets and the consensus was that it was pro quality, but not fitting for other reasons. I thought for sure that would indicate an HM or above. I do wonder if its religious subject matter was a defeating factor? Too adult? Either way, can't know with a form reply. And sadly cannot agree that I have been helped by this first experience with the contest as it confuses me as to why those pro markets gave detailed replies mentioning my characters and story, and this is just a flat out rejection. Is there any rhyme or reason in the world of sf publishing? Too hard to reconcile past experience with this, but what do I know? (Little.) Good tidings to all.
That's an R, yeah. I understand your frustrations. The important thing to remember is that every market is run by different editors with different needs. Every editor, like every reader, has different opinions on what constitutes a good story. And, honestly? Even the HMs and SHMs are form. The only way you get a personalized response is if you make semi-finalist, and at that point you can't resubmit the story to WotF. There are just too many entries every quarter for individual feedback to be given.
Please try not to be overly disheartened. I got an R my first time entering, too, but every quarter is a new chance to win.
This was one of my better crafted stories IMO, but it still got an R. I'm guessing it was either too slow to start or the first reader got offput by the fact that there were two POV characters--something I knew was dangerous, but experimented with anyway. I'm sending it off to other markets now; just because the story doesn't do well here doesn't mean it won't do well elsewhere (as you yourself have experienced).
If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. WellsR, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, ?
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