What Did They Mean By This?

Taylor Harbin · Feb 23, 2016

I submitted a story to a contest with Ember magazine. It was rejected, but shortlisted as one of the top ten finalists and received lots of praise. The editor said, "You retain all rights to the manuscript and are free to publish it elsewhere. We would be happy to help you promote it!"

I'm assuming the promotion bit means after it is accepted elsewhere, right? I've never heard of an editor making such an offer to a rejected piece, but I'd like to take advantage if it's legit. I'm trying to find a new home for the story and any help would be great.

CL Polk · Feb 23, 2016

...what?

did they print it or not? it sounds like they printed it. they didn't, right?

Taylor Harbin · Feb 23, 2016

No they did not print it.

Fruitbat · Feb 23, 2016

I don't think it would sway an editor to explain in a cover letter that the story was a runner-up in a micro-pub contest. The editors you send the story to will read it and like it or not like it, regardless. Then again, if you want to tell them, go ahead. It's certainly not a deal-breaker, either.

The statement probably means your name will be listed on its site as a runner-up in their contest or something like that. If so, and the story gets published elsewhere, you might let them know because it's also possible they'll list that information on their site as well. Hey, every little bit counts!

blacbird · Feb 23, 2016

It translates to:

"We're feeling particularly pranksterish today, and would like to screw with your brain."

caw

Jamesaritchie · Feb 23, 2016

Only God, and maybe the editor, has a clue. If you want to know, you'll have to ask one of them.

Fruitbat · Feb 23, 2016

Also, Taylor, congrats on your recent near wins.

Taylor Harbin · Feb 23, 2016

Fruitbat said:
Also, Taylor, congrats on your recent near wins.

Thanks! It was one of those impulse stories I wrote very quickly. I was quite surprised when I found out it had been shortlisted.

Taylor Harbin · Feb 24, 2016

I'm leaving this here, in case anyone else reads the thread. The editor replied to my query and confirmed that if I get the story published elsewhere, that they would mention it on their website.

JamesGaberel · Mar 1, 2016

That's cool. I've submitted a few stories, but gotten nowhere. Nice to see someone succeeding!

Creep · Apr 23, 2017

could I read your short story?

What Did They Mean By This?

Taylor Harbin

Power to the pen!

CL Polk

Taylor Harbin

Power to the pen!

Fruitbat

.

blacbird

Jamesaritchie

Fruitbat

.

Taylor Harbin

Power to the pen!

Taylor Harbin

Power to the pen!

JamesGaberel

Creep