I've had a short story with a market for a couple months (plus a few days) now, which is their expected response time, but I haven't heard anything yet. At what point should I consider the non-response a rejection and go on to the next market? (These are all no simul-subs).
Sending to the next market after a no-response
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johnnysannie
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Patience is a hard virtue to have - I am still working on that one myself. But I would give them at least twice the listed response time, then inquire. Many factors can cause editors to be delayed so I would just resign myself to a little bit longer wait.
I'm more familiar with the novel market, so I'm used to waiting. But I'm also used to non-exclusivity. I can wait until end of March/early April. Thanks!
Considering that pubs get hundreds of subs a month--send out a handful of queries on one book. These days most queries don't even get a 'no thanks'. If you do get a bite, then you can send a short note to the rest: 'Please withdraw my novel X from your sub list'. Don't tell 'em why.
Sorry, I wasn't clear. I have an agent for my book. This is a short story sub to a magazine market.
I usually wait a month or two beyond the market's stated expected response time, then I send them a polite email asking for a status update. If the mag doesn't answer your query, then maybe consider it a no-response.
However, I would note that I have received both rejections and acceptances after waiting more than six months. It can take a long time (which is why I tend to submit to mags that allow simsubs).
Just as an aside, in my experience, it has taken litmag editors significantly longer on average to respond to submissions than book agents. But I might be an outlier on that one.
However, I would note that I have received both rejections and acceptances after waiting more than six months. It can take a long time (which is why I tend to submit to mags that allow simsubs).
Just as an aside, in my experience, it has taken litmag editors significantly longer on average to respond to submissions than book agents. But I might be an outlier on that one.
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Mags take a loooong time. I would advise to check out response times on Duotrope, wait a month beyond the expected time, then query. If you don't get a response, I think it would be best to send a polite withdrawal note to the editors before resubmitting it to the next market. Some of the short story sales I heard of took almost a year - and sales take longer than rejections. If you resend it to the next market, there is no guarantee it will be fast, or result in an acceptance.
Good luck with your story.
Rose, who also suffers from impatience
Good luck with your story.
Rose, who also suffers from impatience
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