[Magazine] Asimov's Science Fiction

sciri · Feb 1, 2010

OK, this will probably get moved, but I honestly couldn't find a thread on Asimov's SF. I suppose there's really nothing to discuss or check about Asimov's, its prestige speaks for itself!

Anyways, I know many of you talented AWers have published on Asimov's, and so I was wondering if I could get some advice.

I just got a very complimentary rejection on a story that I submitted. Basically, they did not like the ending. Now, what makes me ponder over this is the fact that they say on the website that they respond with form rejections, but this was definitely not a form. The editor took the time to compliment me and tell me what it was she did not like of my story (the ending). So, here's my conundrum: would it be worth trying to re-write the ending and re-submit or should I just let it go and move on?

Thanks!

eqb · Feb 1, 2010

sciri said:
So, here's my conundrum: would it be worth trying to re-write the ending and re-submit or should I just let it go and move on?

If you agree with her suggestions, you could revise, *then* query Sheila to see if she'd take another look. There's no guarantee she'll say yes, but she might. But don't resubmit without asking first.

Williebee · Feb 1, 2010

excellent advice from eqb.

CaoPaux · Feb 1, 2010

Adding link: http://www.asimovs.com/

sciri · Feb 1, 2010

eqb said:
If you agree with her suggestions, you could revise, *then* query Sheila to see if she'd take another look. There's no guarantee she'll say yes, but she might. But don't resubmit without asking first.

Would you query via snail mail or use the general email on the website?
Thanks!

eqb · Feb 1, 2010

I'd suggest using the email listed on the submissions page. (Which is probably the general email address.)

sciri · Feb 1, 2010

Thank you!

sciri · Feb 4, 2010

I have revised my story but haven't heard back from Sheila. I'm not even sure they read the email. I have two options: try Analog (although I liked Asimov's better because the guidelines specifically say they are interested in "character-driven stories", and mine is definitely character-driven); or resubmit with a cover letter where I say that I could not find any policy on re-submissions (for example Hitchcock's Mystery's guidelines clearly state they do not take resubmissions) and where and why I made the revisions....

Suggestions?

SirOtter · Feb 4, 2010

sciri said:
I have two options: try Analog (although I liked Asimov's better because the guidelines specifically say they are interested in "character-driven stories", and mine is definitely character-driven);

Or F&SF http://www.sfsite.com/fsf/glines.htm

sciri · Feb 4, 2010

Yes, that was going to be the next choice...
Grazie, Cavaliere Marino!

eqb · Feb 4, 2010

sciri said:
I have revised my story but haven't heard back from Sheila....Suggestions?

They do read the email, but they don't necessarily reply within a few nanoseconds. My suggestion is that you chill out and wait a couple weeks before you move on to the next market. Under NO circumstances should you resubmit without Sheila's okay. You will only make a bad impression.

sciri · Feb 4, 2010

OK...
Even if I explain in the cover letter though?

eqb · Feb 4, 2010

sciri said:
OK...
Even if I explain in the cover letter though?

Even if you explain.

Editors are not shy about asking for a rewrite. Sheila did not ask you for one. You really must not resubmit unless 1) you did take several days to a week to revise the story properly, 2) you got feedback on those revisions, and 3) you hear back from her that she wants to see the new version.

sciri · Feb 4, 2010

Yes, yes, it was implicit that I was going to do all of that, I've already sent out the revised version to my faithful beta readers, and waiting to go back and forth with them a few times.

It's mind-boggling because from what she said it's really the last page that I needed to change, which of course I am willing to do... But then you're right, she could've asked and she chose not to.

Thanks for your input.

eqb · Feb 6, 2010

Speaking in general....

Be aware that when an editor rejects a story and gives a reason, it is very likely not the *only* reason. It's just *one* reason, often the most obvious one. That's why you have to query first before you resubmit.

sciri · Feb 6, 2010

Good point, thanks. Sorry for being impatient.
One of the agents I queried with my latest novel said my idea had merit but he usually demands a few publications before taking on a new writer. So, when I saw that Asimov's was a close miss, I slammed my head against the wall.
I know though, it's a high steep incline and one has to tumble numerous times before (if ever) reaching the top.

52greg · May 10, 2010

Electronic Submission to ASIMOV'S (merged into thread in B&BC)

I've been trying all weekend to submit a story to ISAAC ASIMOV'S using their electronic submission form, but I can't get it to go through. I sent an email about it, but I haven't heard back yet.

Has anyone else had this problem?

BenPanced · May 10, 2010

You might have some trouble for a little while; from what I understand, the electronic submission system was only just unveiled so it's probably innundated with traffic.

52greg · May 10, 2010

BenPanced said:
You might have some trouble for a little while; from what I understand, the electronic submission system was only just unveiled so it's probably innundated with traffic.

Thanks. When I click the Submit button, it changes to "Please wait..." and stays there for hours, till I break the connection.

Electronic submission is an excellent idea, though. I don't know why all magazines wouldn't have it as an option.

Polenth · May 10, 2010

52greg said:
I've been trying all weekend to submit a story to ISAAC ASIMOV'S using their electronic submission form, but I can't get it to go through. I sent an email about it, but I haven't heard back yet.

Has anyone else had this problem?

It worked fine for me and the rejection came through quickly. It might be the servers are overloaded.

When you're successful, it'll send you an email confirmation, so you'll know.

williemeikle · May 10, 2010

52greg said:
I've been trying all weekend to submit a story to ISAAC ASIMOV'S using their electronic submission form, but I can't get it to go through. I sent an email about it, but I haven't heard back yet.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Nope... mine went through OK

52greg · May 11, 2010

I just tried again, and it didn't work again. I let it go for maybe an hour. How quickly did it go through for you fellows?

Polenth · May 11, 2010

52greg said:
I just tried again, and it didn't work again. I let it go for maybe an hour. How quickly did it go through for you fellows?

When it works, it's quick. As a thought, have you tried using a different web browser?

52greg · May 12, 2010

I've tried three more times today, with no luck. I'm using Internet Explorer. Surely that'll do it.

Polenth · May 12, 2010

52greg said:
I've tried three more times today, with no luck. I'm using Internet Explorer. Surely that'll do it.

It's not that unusual for a site to work in one browser and not another (or in one version of a certain browser and not the others). You can't assume it's okay because you're using a major browser. Testing it in another browser is a good way to check if it's a browser issue or not.

[Magazine] Asimov's Science Fiction

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