Got a good rejection today

I got my first non-form rejection on a short story today. The story is Death, early version posted here

A managing submissions editor said "You're a talented writer; there's no question about that. Ultimately, my feeling is that this story may do best in an anthology, or a print magazine." and then went on to write a several paragraph detail on why, which included detailed reasons that I wouldn't feel right repeating here, but had to do with anticipated reactions to the piece (ones that I hadn't considered, but are valid) rather than the content or writing. But her response showed that she'd definitely read (and maybe re-read) my work, and it was just pretty cool to see. I even felt it deserved a thank you and response to her response, which I wouldn't usually do.

Earthling said:

That sounds like a fantastic rejection! (Is this the only industry where we say things like that without being sarcastic?)I thought so! And yes, I think it might be.

Are you going to look for anthologies or print mags?

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I am. I did a first round of various online zines and such, and I'm going to do another round soon (soon being anytime between next week and a couple months from now). This story may turn into a series of shorts so I'd like to get the first one published somewhere. I know it's a difficult subject matter so that might make it harder.

Thanks guys! I really like this piece, and I'm trying to find more places to submit. With the subject matter, it's proving a challenge.

Norman Mjadwesch said:

I just read that piece. Very well written and… you’ve got guts.

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Noorrrrrrrrrrm! Thanks!