Literary Rejections on Display: John Fox Makes the Skies ...

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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

New Ohio Review, Old Rejection

Posted on 11:14 AM by humpty
Unfortunately, the work you submitted is not right for us, but we are grateful for the opportunity to consider it, and we wish you the best of luck in placing it elsewhere. Best Wishes, The Editors
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Posted in boring | No comments

Friday, January 27, 2012

The Rejection that Dare Not Utter its Purpose

Posted on 5:56 AM by humpty
The person receiving this cryptic rejection from the Santa Monica Review writes: This one really bugs me.. because, as you'll notice, they never actually get around to rejecting me.
Dear Writer: We don't know of anyone who hasn't had work returned at one time or another, but that certainly doesn't make it easier. We hope you will find consolation in the individuality of editorial tastes and in the assurance that with persistence, good work will be recognized as such. Thank you for trying us. The Editors
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Posted in misguided | No comments

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Sorry to Report

Posted on 1:23 PM by humpty

Dear Author: Thank you for submitting to Chicago Review. We're sorry to report that we are not going to publish your story. Good luck placing it elsewhere.     The Editors
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Posted in boring | No comments

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Santa Monica and Hitler

Posted on 2:45 PM by humpty
An LROD loyalist sent in this note from on a returned/rejected story submitted to the Santa Monica Review. I guess the editor likes egomaniacal genocidal historical figures? The author of the story is taking the comment to mean, "Send more work."  I think that's a good enough interpretation.
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Posted in industry response | No comments

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Our Token Respect

Posted on 1:20 PM by humpty
Never pay retail, darling.
Dear Writer's Name,
     Thank you for sending "Title of Story" to Fourteen Hills: The San Francisco State Review. We have considered your submission and, unfortunately, it isn't a match for our current issue. Many authors of original and well-crafted pieces will receive this letter. Please don't let this deter you from submitting in the future, and, in the meantime, subscribing to Fourteen Hills.
     As a token of our respect for your work, we would like to offer you a reduced subscription rate of 15% off. We know this is a small condolence, but we hope you take us up on our offer.You can request the subscription at this link. Thanks again. Best of luck with your work. Sincerely, Stephanie Doeing, Fourteen Hills
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Posted in earnest | No comments

Monday, January 23, 2012

Palooka Digs Your Style

Posted on 12:57 PM by humpty

Dear [Writer's Name],

Thank you for sending us "Title of Story." We enjoyed reading your work but are sorry to say we're unable to use it at this time. However, we dig your writing style and would like to see more submissions from you in the future. We realize how much time, effort, passion, and energy goes into each piece of writing and appreciate your interest in Palooka.

NOTE: I didn't feel there was enough to this story, too short, but I think you have a real strength in your voice. --

Best,
Palooka Journal Editor
http://palookajournal.submishmash.com/Submit
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Posted in amusing | No comments

Friday, January 20, 2012

Competitive and Thorough

Posted on 3:25 PM by humpty
Lest you think they at New Plains are blowing their noses on your 2,500-word story.  It makes you want to be a part of the process, doesn't it? Do they pick the story they want to publish and then arm wrestle to see what goes in the review? Well, anyhoodle, at least you have been thoroughly vetted and tossed aside. GFY.
Dear Writer: Thank you for sending your fiction for our consideration. After a competitive and thorough review process, we have decided not to use your material in our upcoming issue. We wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors. Sincerely, Kellea Ingram, Editor in Chief, New Plains Review
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Posted in earnest | No comments
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