Rejection #1
An email came from Strange Horizons today and, you guessed it, a rejection of "Between Eternities". I did get a personalized rejection, which means the editor thought my story was, at the very least, decent.
As a result, I've decided to take a positive stance and be happy that a pro-level market like Strange Horizons actually saw fit to seriously consider my work. The editor noted that it was an "engaging read" but that it "never came together as a whole". For this story, that seems to be a common complaint. Unfortunately, about half the people who read it seemed to think everything was perfect as is, and the other half thought there was something missing. I'm of the former mind, obviously, but after a few more rejections, maybe I'll be singing a different tune.
Oh well, it's off to the next market.
As a result, I've decided to take a positive stance and be happy that a pro-level market like Strange Horizons actually saw fit to seriously consider my work. The editor noted that it was an "engaging read" but that it "never came together as a whole". For this story, that seems to be a common complaint. Unfortunately, about half the people who read it seemed to think everything was perfect as is, and the other half thought there was something missing. I'm of the former mind, obviously, but after a few more rejections, maybe I'll be singing a different tune.
Oh well, it's off to the next market.
4 Comments:
Hmmm. Seems to me that, if you sell to half the market, you've got a bestseller... :D
I like how you think, Clive. I should've included that point in my submission. :)
Did you manage to receive any pointers back in the letter? I've not sent anything out since I was about 16, and I don't even think I received replies for that.
Nope, no pointers, unfortunately. As I hear it, the number of editors out there who give tips on how to improve stories are dwindling.
Not that I expect them to or anything. After three weeks of reviewing submissions for the Apodis anthology, I find I just don't have the time to give detailed rejection letters.
Post a Comment
<< Home