You know when you’re really upset and someone tells you to calm down and you just get even more stark craving mad?  Well, when you’re at your 48th rejection in your quest for publication and someone tells you not to be disheartened, you kinda can’t help yourself.  So, yeah, I’m pretty freaking disheartened.  Especially since the people who rejected me have a 16% acceptance rating.

Getting closer and closer to my 100 cupcakes.

Rejection Letter #48 – Tincture Journal

Dear Gabrielle,

Thanks very much for sending us this piece, but unfortunately we have decided not to include it in the next issue of Tincture Journal.

It has been the most difficult selection process we’ve ever had, so please don’t be disheartened. As always we would love to see more of your work in future.

Kind regards,
Daniel.

So you may or may not be aware that I’ve recorded a few audiobooks. One of them being “Electric Blues” by Shaun McCoy, a wonderful story about a depressed, obsolete robot named Arty.

Here’s a synopsis if you aren’t familiar with it:

Meet Arty PA3025. He’s a robot, and he’s depressed. Unemployed and horribly obsolete, his future looks bleak – and that’s just what he tells his programmer-cum-therapist, Knickers. But then he meets Madeline, an ornery senior with a pair of arthritic cats and a fear of modern electronic accoutrements. They team up, an outdated robot and a senile old woman, to begin together a quest for relevance in an all too cold and uncaring world.

Well, I have 5 promotional copies I would like to give away.  If you are interested in listening to it, all you have to do is leave a comment and your email or if you’d rather, you can send me an email at gabrielleolexa at gmail dot com with your info, and I’ll send you a gift copy via Audible.  The only thing I ask for in return is an honest review.

You can click here and listen to a snippet.

“Binary Jazz” is a sequel and is available in both paperback and on the Kindle.

I think the only thing I’m  ever going to be is a mom.

Rejection Letter #47 – Red Bridge Press: Rivet: The Journal of Writing that Risks

Dear Gabrielle Olexa,

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to read “Jenny of Lebanon.” After careful consideration, we decided the work was not a good fit for Rivet.

We wish you all the best with your writing.

Sincerely,
The Rivet Editors

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