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