Sigh

[j_cheney]

105 day rejection from Asimovs. A personal note from Sheila Williams and she spelled my name correctly. (That last is not because she's familiar with me or my work, but because she's being considerate) ::glowing and moping at the same time::

It's really odd when you get these things, because although they are a major let-down, you also have to try to look for the good parts:

Good: "The story was nicely done,"
Bad: "...but I'm afraid (it) seemed a bit too long and lost some of its excitement along the way." OK, I'm long-winded, I know....
Good: "I thought your writing was quite promising, however, and hope to see more when you have it."

So it's a good bad thing, right? Anyhow, I so rarely have sci-fi that it might be a while before I send something to Asimov's again, although the May story may head out there.

It occurs to me that I have no idea how many rejections I have....must look at my numbers.

ETA: So I've figured it out, subs since I started. (I keep a sheet)

Stories written (including flash) 12
Total Subs: 27
Total Sales: 5
Trunked: 4 plus a possible (2 early stories, and two flash)
Currently out: 1, plus 2 waiting on windows to open (8/1)

Stories almost ready to go out...4
I hope to have 7 out after 8/1
That's all.

Comments

[the-flea-king.livejournal.com]

105 days and you have to print and stuff it in a real envelope? I don't know why you bother!

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

I have to have something for my printers to do....

[david-de-beer.livejournal.com]

well, there;s some good there. And you've had a decent run so far, some very good sales. Try F&SF in future; after all, JJA did accept you once already, so now it's mostly a matter of getting GVG over...

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Actually, this story has been up to Gordon already....it 'didn't quite hold' his attention either. Therefore, I surmise it still needs some work.

[orogeny.livejournal.com]

That's not only good, it's outstanding. Congratulations on getting past the slush, and I'm sorry it wasn't quite for them in the end.

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the support!

[kara-gnome.livejournal.com]

I don't know, I think I'd regard this as a great letter, and definitely a good thing. Maybe not quite a love letter, but getting close.

Also, she might not be thinking long-winded at all. Maybe something completely unrelated to that; it's so hard to tell, isn't it? Do you have another something for her to look at?

Good going on the subs and sales--wonderful, really.

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

I have the May story almost ready to go, but it'll go to F&SF first. I do realize that a personal rejection is a good thing, but nothing's as good as a sale!!

GVG also read this particular story and said it 'didn't quite hold' his attention, so I expect that means it's a tad slow. I'll try to eliminate some words.

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

From Asimov's? That's great!

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but you know what I really wanted.... ;o)

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Of course.

[coolmajaka.livejournal.com]

It's odd to offer congrats on a F$##$ng reject, but congrats! That's a pretty decent nope. Especially with the proper name spelling and everything.

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Proper name spelling is superb icing!! (It so rarely happens).

Thanks....

[stinabat.livejournal.com]

go you! that's a great rejection!

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Isn't that an oxymoron? Thanks anyway!

Great

[namelessarchon.livejournal.com]

Congrats on the rejection, Asimov's is one tough nut to crack and you almost got there!

Re: Great

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Perhps next time...