I always submit to the big dogs first because you have to take that chance that they’ll defy all reasoning and say yes.  I had zero hopes that Tor.com would say anything but no to “Honk for Ferry”, and I was right, but it’s better to know than wonder for all eternity.  I just wish it didn’t take so long, especially when you can’t submit anywhere else until they’ve made a decision.  And I would have really liked some criticism, but I know they’re busy and don’t have time to critique each piece.  Oh, well.  Back to the drawing board.

Rejection Letter #40 – Tor.com

Dear Ms. Olexa,

Thanks so much for submitting to Tor.com, and for your patience while we evaluated your story. Unfortunately, I’m afraid that “Honk for Ferry” isn’t quite right for us. I wish you the best of luck placing it elsewhere.

Please send us more of your stories in the future.

Best,

Tor.com Submissions Staff

Alright, guys, I have a favor to ask of you – whoever you guys may be – strangers, friends, family, alien life-forms from a far off galaxy or some odd combination of the four.  I have a fellow writing pal, Matt Michaelis, who is about to publish his first story, “Kids Summon the Damndest Things”. Before he does that, though, he needs help summoning funds to have a professional cover for his story made and a website built.  Since money unfortunately doesn’t grow on trees, that is where you come in.

A Kickstarter page has been created to help him reach his goal and bring his dream to fruition.  Dreams, as we all know, are important.  If you have even a few dollars sitting in your wallet, a credit card that’s itching to be electronically swiped or a undeniable urge to spread happiness, I know that he’d greatly appreciate your help.  You can either click here or on the little image below.  He has until April 18th, 2014 to make this happen.  If you can’t donate for whatever reason, please spread the word.

Here is the book’s description:

“Avery has had enough. Between living in a small Southern town and apparently wearing a giant “kick me” sign on his back, he would just about sell his soul for revenge.

Pushed over the edge, he and his friend Angela take matters into their own hands, but discover the hard way that everything has a price.”

I thank you, Matt thanks you.

Happy reading!

This too came ages ago, but like before, I’ve been dealing with an infant who demands my attention 24 hours a day.  And that is only a slight exaggeration.

This is the first rejection letter I’ve received in the mail so far.  It made the whole, “Sorry, we liked something else better.” more real in a way.  I knew as soon I as I touched the envelope, it being so thin, that it wasn’t them replying to tell me how awesome I was and how excited they were to put my work in their magazine.  Being an actual tangible rejection, I debated burning it, but that seemed childish and I didn’t.  I really wish they had something more critical to say about it.

At least I know they read the title and took a few seconds to write it down on their form before stuffing it back in my SASE.

Rejection Letter #39 – The Gettysburg Review

This letter came ages ago, but I was dealing with a newborn and I’ve had zero time to write about it until just now.

38 used to be my lucky number.  Not so much now.

Rejection Letter #38 – ellipsis… literature and art

Dear Gabrielle Olexa:

Thank you for your submission of “Jenny Kissed Me” to ellipsis… literature & art. We consider each manuscript carefully. Unfortunately, we are unable to publish your work at this time.

We wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors. We also encourage you to submit additional work for future editions of ellipsis… literature & art.

Sincerely,
Kimberly Fallis
Prose Editor
ellipsis… literature and art