When I get to 100, I’m going to write out “100” in cupcakes and then eat them all.  It won’t be long.

Rejection Letter #46 – A Public Space – Emerging Writer Fellowships

Dear Gabrielle Olexa,

Thank you for your application to the APS Emerging Writer Fellowships. We received approximately 1,200 applications and appreciate your patience while we read all of the work that was submitted to us.

We were grateful for the chance to read your letter and your piece, but unfortunately your application has not been successful. We’re sorry to disappoint you, and wish you luck in placing your work elsewhere and pursuing other opportunities for emerging writers.

Applications for the 2015 APS Emerging Writer fellowships (to run from March 1, 2015 to September 1, 2015) will open on September 15, 2014 and you are welcome to apply again.

You can keep up to date with A Public Space by subscribing to the magazine, visiting www.apublicspace.org, or following us on Twitter (@APublicSpace) or Facebook.

Yours,
A Public Space

Five away from fifty.  At least they were quick about responding.  I really, really wish I could get some constructive criticism about “Jenny of Lebanon”.  I have no idea what they don’t like to make it better.  Grr.

Rejection Letter #45 – The Collagist

Dear Gabrielle,
Thank you for the opportunity to read “Jenny of Lebanon.” Unfortunately, we are unable to use the fiction you submitted. We wish you the best of luck in placing it elsewhere.

Sincerely,
Gabriel Blackwell
Editor

This came a few days ago.   This makes rejection number two for “Honk for Ferry”.  The feedback I got was okay, but  it didn’t really provide me with many ways to make it better.  Not sure what to do with it at this point.

Rejection Letter #44 – Crowded Magazine

Dear Gabrielle

Sorry, but we’ve decided not to accept Honk for Ferry for publication.

The crowd’s overall rating of your story and their comments (if requested) may be seen by clicking the following link: (I removed it.)

Thanks for your interest in Crowded.

Ethan Fode
Editor

I think I’ve said everything there is to say about being rejected at this point, so I’ll just leave you with the response I got.

Rejection Letter #43 – A Public Space

Dear Gabrielle Olexa,

Thank you for your patience while we considered your submission. We appreciated the chance to read “Jenny of Lebanon,” but unfortunately this piece was not right for A Public Space. We wish you the best of luck placing this work elsewhere and are sorry to disappoint you on this occasion.

If you’re not already a reader of A Public Space, you can keep up to date with us by visiting your local bookstore to find our latest issue, visiting us online at www.apublicspace.org, finding us on Facebook, or following us on Twitter @APublicSpace.

Thank you for thinking of A Public Space for your work.

With very best wishes,
A Public Space

I really wish someone would tell me why “Jenny of Lebanon” isn’t good enough.  Any kind of constructive criticism would make me happy.  I waited almost six months for this SASE to find its way back to me.  To get a no is one thing, to repeatedly have no idea why is another.  There’s only one more magazine reviewing her at present.  I think my next big round should be my last attempts to get someone to print her.  Self-publishing may be my only route.  That shouldn’t make me as sad as it does, for there’s no shame in it, but it makes me feel so defeated.  I could literally die happy if I could just sell one story.  Heck, I’d be happy if someone liked what I wrote enough to want to print a story I’d written but didn’t have any money to give.

Sigh.  Shake head.  Chin up.  Gotta keep trying.

Rejection Letter #42 – The Southern Review

No love for my horror story yet, but I have faith some one will fancy her eventually.

Rejection Letter #41 – Clarkesworld Magazine

Dear Gabrielle,

Thank you for the opportunity to read “Honk for Ferry.” Unfortunately, your story isn’t quite what we’re looking for right now.

In the past, we’ve provided detailed feedback on our rejections, but I’m afraid that due to time considerations, we’re no longer able to offer that service. I appreciate your interest in Clarkesworld Magazine and hope that you’ll keep us in mind in the future.

Take care,

Neil Clarke
Publisher/Editor
Clarkesworld Magazine

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

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

I’m becoming somewhat desensitized to these.  I still have 7 possibilities remaining – 8 if you count the magazine that seems to be on permanent hiatus.

Rejection Letter #37 – Story|Houston

Dear Gabrielle Olexa,

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to consider “Jenny Kissed Me.” We regret that the piece does not meet our needs at this time. We received hundreds of submissions for this issue, and we appreciate everyone who shared their work with us.

The Editors at Story | Houston