Rejections Aplenty

And so they start rolling in.

I've added a new widget to the sidebar titled "Rejections V Acceptances" to show a running tally. It's not very inspirational reading at the moment. Especially when you consider I sold three of the first five pieces I wrote. My hit frequency has declined dramatically although the rejections are becoming nicer.

I also figured I'd start sharing the comments from the rejection slips. So here goes:

Story title: Winged Shepherd of Innocence
Market: Mindflights
Status: Rejected
Comments:

"To me this had more of a horror feel than a scifi/fantasy feel. I think it might be a better fit for Fear and Trembling."

Next step: Needless to say I'll be doing a couple of suggested edits and resubmitting to Fear and Trembling, Mindflights sister mag. (This piece has now been resubmitted)

Story title: Senses End
Market: Necrotic Tissue
Status: Rejected
Comments:

"You have written a very nicely dark death scene, unfortunately, we are looking more story development vs a single scene. We hope you find a market for your writing. Good luck, break a lead."

Next step: This piece is only a drabble, i.e. 100 words long, so markets are difficult to find. I think this one will go back on hold till something else crops up.

So there you have rejections number 31 & 32. Winged Shepherd will go straight back out the door once the small edits have been made that were suggested by the editor that I believe will make the piece more marketable.

Listen to what editors suggest but don't sell your soul to them. Consider their suggestions, if reasonable then go ahead with them, if you think it alters your work to a level you're not happy with, try a different market. If a number of editors/readers/crit group members are saying similar things - it is time to listen and make the suggested changes.

Good luck with your submissions.

BT

More Submissions

I've just sent out two more pieces: Senses End & System Failure.

That concludes the submission of all the pieces of dark fiction I've currently written. Nine pieces out in the marketplace.

Fingers crossed they will all find a home, sooner rather than later.

I'll now be working on Wamphyri and Newland in addition to my other diploma assignments. This will mean I'll have precious little to post on TPN for others to critique as I don't want to pull out some of the other shorts I have sitting around. I've notified the moderator and now await their decision.

I've put three books on hold that will be excellent resources for research into Newland. I'll be looking at purchasing those tomorrow. Very much looking forward to the day trip to do additional research this coming weekend.

Things begin to become a little less hectic and a little more organised. Maybe we can move forward a little more.

Good luck with your writing and with your submissions.

BT