Wait time

[zarch]

Forgive me if this has already been addressed.

I submitted stories to a few literary magazines a couple of months ago and have not heard from any of them. I do realize that I should be prepared to wait at least three months in many cases. What is everyone else's experience with wait time? Do lit mags get back to you in weeks? Months? Years?

[veinglory]

If the guidleines say nothing you can check the average response time of many magazines. I know there is a list for sf/fantasy at critters.org but for others mags you may need to just ask around. If there is any hurry I usually give it 3 months and then query.

[zarch]

Yeah, I was thinking I'd wait another month and then follow up. Thanks!

[Jamesaritchie]

Literary magazines often take up to six months to reply, no matter what the guidelines say. Many literary magazines also do no reading during the summer months, so this can add to the wait. Be patient. Literary magazines are nearly always understaffed.

Spend your time writing and submitting other stories.

[ClaudiaP]

I always wait 6 months before querying.