I just withdrew a short story from a market that had been holding it for 14 months. Fourteen months! Now, while I do understand that editors are busy, and I certainly know that they are in no way begging writers for stories, I still think that response times of months are too long, response times of six to twelve months are inconsiderate, and anything over a year is just plain crazy.
In my view it is unfair is for a market with a typically long response time to insist that writers not send in simultaneous submissions. In the time it takes one slow publication to respond to a submission, the story could be out making its rounds at five different publications. However, I have not sent in a story silmultaneously to more than one publication when the guidelines clearly state not to.
I haven’t done it (yet), though I have been tempted more than once.
Short story writers, what are your views on long response times and simultaneous submissions?
Hmm, 14 months is a really long time, so I see what you mean. Response times aren’t something I worry about, though. I have a lot of stories I’m working on, and I struggle to keep them all out on the market (partly because sending stuff out is far from my favorite part of writing). I don’t think I’ve ever hit my personal goal in terms of how many pieces I manage to have out on submission at once.
Maybe this has to do with my writing process though? I produce tons of first drafts, so I feel like I end up very top-heavy. The challenge for me is getting those second and third drafts, and then getting stuff out. I always feel like I have plenty to do while I wait, and plenty of other stuff to send out. I don’t feel like my short fiction is time-sensitive, so it’s OK with me for a market to take a while with it. I don’t perceive that as blocking up my workflow.
How does it work for you? When a market has a story for a long time, does that hold you back from being able to move forward with your process of writing and submission?
I can understand your frustration. It’s like your story has been highjacked by renegade editors. It conjures up images of desperate individuals scheming and laughing about how they’ve taken control of your creation and forced into the sphere of obscurity… Not that I’m into conspiracy theories, or anything.
Erica: I wouldn’t say that long response times hold me back from writing at all, but since I am usually only waiting for a simple “no, thank you,” there’s a limit to how long I think is reasonable.
Vanyieck: And in smoke-filled rooms, too, I’m sure!