Story Rejected

[Deleted]

Reasons an editor might not take up a story and as I've not read anything of yours I'm not passing judgement or making wild accusations :

• It's poorly written/ not proof read properly
• He/she might already have a similar story to yours in the magazine
• He/she might not think the story is good enough (hopefully you'll get feedback from them, but if not - why do you want to be published by them anyway?)
• He/she might get up on the wrong side of bed and be in a mood where your story is pressing all the wrong buttons (on another day, it might press all the right buttons!)
• He/she thinks you've got what it takes, but it will take a little more time to get there. Keep writing, maybe one day! And remember - the editor might have asked you for a short story for magazine/anthology and still rejects it after you've taken all that time to write it, edit it and send it to thnm! 
• he/she simply hasn't read it. 

Not a definitive list, and I'm sure there are other reasons I haven't thought of.

But continue to write, every day. The more you write the stronger your 'writing muscles' become. Read the stories out loud after you've written them, good way to catch typos I find. Read every day. And not in the horror genre. Read biographies, autobiographies, history books, books on gardening, romance, anything you can get your hands on.

If someone says they can publish you, but you'll have to PAY them for the privilege - run a mile! And they want your story, but you have to pay for your contributor copy, run a mile! And if they want a story from you for free, no payment and no contributor copy - run a mile!

Those are some things off the top of my head, hope they are of use. Just keep plugging away. Never give up. 

[Nightmare]

Two of the rejections were ''it's not the type of story we're looking for.'' It's strange how I'm getting second chances! Maybe they see potential in me? I doubt it.

My one writing weakness is that I can be very impatient. I do plan my stories ahead of time, but sometimes I might rush the plot. I'm not used to writing three thousand word stories.

[Deleted]

I'm coming to the end of my first 30 thousand word story. There has been a lot of swearing at it, let me tell you! 

[Nightmare]

30 thousand words?! How do you have the patience to write a 30 thousand word story?

[Deleted]

I'm getting paid to have the patience for it. But you learn, with every story to branch out, write a little more each time. Develop characters, plot etc. You'll get there.

[Nightmare]

Hopefully I'll eventually find my audience.

I don't get it. Editors want different stories, but the minute I submit a different idea, it gets criticized and rejected! I keep seeing the same books over and over while nobody says a word.

I'm working on a new (hopefully) three thousand or more word story in case my other tale gets rejected by all the publishers. All that time and effort for nothing.

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 19:58:22 GMT Nightmare said:

All that time and effort for nothing.

Ah, that's where you lose me.

If you think that the time and effort is for nothing then nobody can help you. Remember, editors don't owe you anything. Your stories have to be of a standard where editors WANT to publish your work.



With every word written you're learning the craft. And then with every finished story comes the second, third, fourth draft (if it needs it). You are learning, learning, learning all the time. About yourself, about your capabilities, finding a voice, finding your style.

If you think that's not worth anything, then writing isn't for you.

[Nightmare]

I just have to be patient and follow any advice that is given. I have to figure out how to write ''emotional depth.''

[Craig Herbertson]

Sept 4, 2013 12:23:16 GMT dem bones said:

Sept 4, 2013 11:22:50 GMT Nightmare said:

I just joined Filthy Creations.

Look after the young lady, you fellows!

This type of thing is more suited to FC, but from my very meagre understanding, self-publishing is generally considered a last resort when other avenues have dried up. I should think it's extremely difficult to promote a first self-published book of shorts because just about everyone on the planet is at it. Better that you try crack a magazine/ multiple author anthology/ fanzine first as they will ikely already have an audience, and that way you're more likely to be read.

Rejection letters are not so much a badge of honour as a blooding. The more work you submit, the more rejection slips you'll accumulate. It's perfectly normal.

PS: I think you'll get a lot more from A Clockwork Orange if you take the time to read it, rather than skim it.

We'll do our best Dem - although most of us have trouble looking after ourselves

[Nightmare]

Another rejection, but it's only because they got too many submissions.