Thursday, November 3, 2011

On Hold Again

So, the story I submitted and hoped would get into the Valentine's Day issue was returned because Patricia got to it too late. She said to submit it next summer. So, into the vault with it. Damn. I really thought it had a great chance of getting published.

At least Patricia loved it. :)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kate,

Thank you for your very helpful blog. I have a question if you don't mind. Would you submit a story to WW before you've had a response on a previous story? How many would you have on submission at any one time?

Sue

Lisa H. said...

And along the lines of the above post, I came across some stories I'd submitted 3 years ago....I'm wondering if it's OK to tighten them up, make a few changes, and re-submit? Good idea/bad idea? Death-to-your-WW-writing-caree-idea?

:)

Kate Willoughby said...

Sue, my answer is a qualified yes. I've had as many as four out at a time, and I know there are people who have had more than that. However, Patricia Gaddis, the initial reader at WW, has said that it bothers her when authors send her a bunch of stories that are all rejected for the same reason. So, it's a judgment call on your part.

If I were BRAND NEW and had never submitted to them before, I might submit one and wait to see what happened with that one before I sent others. In all probability it will probably get rejected. (Sorry!) But you'll be able to tell if you at least got past Patricia by looking at where the rejection came from. Patricia is in North Carolina (?) and Johnene, the fiction editor is in Seattle. Then you'll have a clearer idea of whether you're on the right track.

Kate Willoughby said...

Lisa, while not out and out death, it might be a good, hearty stab wound. They REALLY don't like it when authors resubmit without being expressly invited to do so.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Kate! That's a big help.

Sue

Lisa H. said...

Shoot. And I thought it was such a good story!!! Oh well...thank you for the tip, and congratulations on being invited to re-submit your Valentine's story later!!

Kate Willoughby said...

You're welcome and thank you!

Theresa said...

(having trouble with google so if this shows up twice, I apologize)

Kate,
When did you submit your story for Valentine's? I sent a February story the first of September. Wonder if I got it in too late?
I'm sorry yours was returned, but Patricia liked it and is giving you another go. That's great.

Thank you for all your help. Theresa

Kate Willoughby said...

Theresa, I sent my story August 29. Patricia said that sometimes the packets take a while to get to her. Yours might have a better chance if it's just "February" rather than "Valentine's."

Theresa said...

Hi Kate, Just a follow-up. My story was returned with a note to submit next summer. I was too late.

Theresa

Kate Willoughby said...

Well, Theresa, that's good news really. Your story still has a good chance!