Follow up or not?

UniversalExport · Dec 8, 2011

Hey

Perhaps someone could help me out here, so I don't make a stupid mistake: In September I submitted a story to a magazine which had a reading period from Sep 1 until Dec 1. I submitted it in the very first days of their reading period and now they're closed and I haven't heard anything from them, even though on duotrope all the recent responses have been between a couple of days to a month or so. Is this a case where I should follow up maybe? :e2shrug:

alexshvartsman · Dec 8, 2011

Most publications say something in their submission guidelines about how long they take to respond. If you are significantly over that time frame, it is perfectly OK to send a polite note asking about the status of your sub.

Buffysquirrel · Dec 8, 2011

Reading period or submission period? Some markets don't start reading until subs are closed. Check out the guidelines.

MatthewWuertz · Dec 8, 2011

Some magazines also post updates on their website about submission statuses, like, "We're still working on the last batch of submissions." Duotrope can show some stats, but the magazine's site can set expectations for response times. If you find that even according to the magazine that it's been too long, I agree with Alex to send a polite nudge, checking to make sure your submission wasn't lost, etc.

GFanthome · Dec 12, 2011

I've never actually sent a follow-up letter to a publisher. I figure I'll either hear from them eventually, or they're simply not interested. Perhaps I am wrong in that assumption, although haven't heard otherwise.

sknipper · Dec 12, 2011

I'd wait a bit. I used to be managing editor for a literary journal and believe me, it's easy to get swamped by submissions. If you sent it in in September, this isn't really that long (I know it feels like forever). I'd give it until after the holidays then send a polite note asking about the status.

astonwest · Dec 14, 2011

My guess is that's a submission period...I don't think there's any way for them to know, based on when a story may come in, when their final day of reading is going to be.

jaksen · Dec 29, 2011

I have waited up to a year to hear if a story has been accepted or rejected. I just keep working on other stuff so I don't think about/worry about it too much.

Follow up or not?

UniversalExport

alexshvartsman

Buffysquirrel

MatthewWuertz

shadow magic, FTW

GFanthome

At the computer, opening a vein

sknipper

astonwest

2 WIP? A glutton for punishment

jaksen

Caped Codder