Rejectomancy

Project Deadlight said:

two personals today: one from untiedshoes... Starting to think the editor there is a bit strange actually. While I love that he personally comments on everything, some of his comments make me think the guy... I don't know... isn't really with it..? Twice he has made comments that have made me think he had totally missed the point. Usually i'd put that down to my sucky writing but these are stories that have got decent PRs from other places.

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You are not alone. The comments I got back from submitting there a couple of times sounded... cranky. Maybe he's a bit strange, but I also think he just doesn't labor to soften the rejection, but simply tells you straight out what he thinks is wrong with the story. Not necessarily a bad thing, if your ego isn't easily bruised. (Not that you have to agree with him on his comments, but there's a lot of value to an honest opinion).

I haven't subbed there recently, mostly because the site looks so... 1998. Nothing wrong with the stories and I love both the quick turnaround and the blunt feedback, but I wish they spent just a tad more time on aesthetics.

I only start changing stories once I've heard the same thing from a few markets. Otherwise I really do believe the "it just wasn't right for us" line that's so often trotted out. It makes for less work for me, and less second guessing.

Maybe I just have ego problems, because my self-belief in my own work doesn't match my sales record

Glad to know it's not just me! Yeah, the site certainly leaves much to be desired on the design front. Their sub' process is a pain in the arse too. But I'd take all that over a 400 day wait for a form. I just hope they are actually reading the stories they reject.

They certainly read mine.
The comments made that clear.

I'm going to send them something else. See if I get another funny rejection.

Lillie said:

They certainly read mine.
The comments made that clear.

I'm going to send them something else. See if I get another funny rejection.

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You must report straight back!!

OK

I've sent them something. I'm hoping for an acceptance, but failing that I'd like a funny R.

Suzanne: I'm in the same boat. Don't give up hope. I'm sure we would have heard something by now on the anthology thread if anyone got an acceptance. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

...and there goes my rejection from the AW anthology. Guess they're sending them out after all. Good luck on all of yours!

Thanks Chocolate would do nicely. I'm totally addicted to dark chocolate (preferably 100% cocoa, no sugar added). Gotta have some and then figure out where to send this story next.

Sorry about the rejection, Alex. I'm in the same boat. Mine just came in from the anthology, too. Ah well. Off to another market!

alexshvartsman said:

Thanks Chocolate would do nicely. I'm totally addicted to dark chocolate (preferably 100% cocoa, no sugar added). Gotta have some and then figure out where to send this story next.

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Yikes! I could never eat 100% cocoa, it's sooooo bitter.

Sorry for the R's guys. It sounded like it was a really hard decision.

defcon6000 said:

Yikes! I could never eat 100% cocoa, it's sooooo bitter.

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I'm a chocolate snob. None of that milk stuff for me. And don't even get me started on so-called white chocolate....

Hugs to everyone who have gotten Rs lately. I'm with Aggy--crickets.

I got an R from Untied Shoelaces once, too. I would send them something again, though. Because, as mentioned, the turnaround time is quick, and pay is pretty decent. My problem is that I rarely have something short enough for them I think they have a 2-3k limit. I can't seem to stay under 5k these days. *sigh*

Lillie said:

OK

I've sent them something. I'm hoping for an acceptance, but failing that I'd like a funny R.

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I just sent another one off... Ego braced.

Well, I finally have something other than crickets to report. Got my R for the AW anthology earlier.

Off to find it another home, I guess.

, Sealey.

I normally just shrug off rejections from most non-pro markets, but because it's AW I actually cared, and it stung a little bit. But, hopefully, the anthology will be a success and they'll do another one.

alexshvartsman said:

, Sealey.

I normally just shrug off rejections from most non-pro markets, but because it's AW I actually cared, and it stung a little bit. But, hopefully, the anthology will be a success and they'll do another one.

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That's the reason I didn't submit (aside from the fact that Shimmer were holding the story I wanted to sub for further consideration - I got the R the day after subs closed for the anthology, annoyingly enough). I've got a thick skin with R's, but I don't know if I could take being told no by a jury of my peers.

alexshvartsman said:

I normally just shrug off rejections from most non-pro markets, but because it's AW I actually cared, and it stung a little bit. But, hopefully, the anthology will be a success and they'll do another one.

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Ditto. I normally don't even go for anthologies, but this was AW!!

I think Mac said they'll do more anthologies in the future, though I don't know if they'll be spec fic -- but one would hope so.

Hi. Can I play? Is there a goal, like send one out every month, or what?

Fruitbats are lazy, so I need a goal.

Hi fruitbat! The goal is whatever you want it to be; the original idea is to write and submit a new story every week, but many people are doing one a month and I know of some insane people trying one a day. Set yourself a goal, try and stick to it, and let us know how it goes - but most of all, have fun! We're all really friendly here, and we're always glad to have new additions to the fold.

Quick question for you seasoned rejectioners; I've just realised that Basement Stories have had my story for 100+ days without a response. Their site says to nudge after 30 days. I've never had to send a nudge before; what the hell should this email say?

Thanks. One a day, wow! I think I can manage one a month.

I was aiming for one a week but it fell by the wayside unfortunately. Fingers crossed I'll get three done this week though. I want a nice round 30 on submission.