Electric Tears

Which would you rather have? And does it matter? And if so, why?

A. Dear Writer: We thank you for submitting your story, "Title of Work," to Electric Literature. Unfortunately, it was not chosen for publication at this time. We are committed to publishing short stories by both new and more established writers, and trust that you will consider sending us your best work in the future. Sincerely, Editors 

B. Dear Writer: We admired the prose, its spareness and lovely rhythms, though it did feel as if the narrative momentum were lagging in places, while the story revolves around the one conflict whose resolution never occurs. Not that we need to see what happens, but there needs to be more foreground than only the protag's memories and anticipations. Very compelling point of view, though. 

C. Dear Writer: We regret to say that "Title of Work" was not ultimately selected for publication in Electric Literature, although it did reach the final editorial round of an extremely competitive selection process. Thank you for submitting, Andy & Scott, Editors, Electric Literature, 325 Gold St. Suite 303 Brooklyn, NY 11201 Twitter: @electriclit

(courtesy: rejectionwiki.com)

Sitting on the Fence

Remember the drama at Fence a few years ago? Ah, for the good old/bad old days of publishing. Anyway, here are some choice Fence rejections, proving that the tier is alive and well.

1) Thank you for sending us "[title]." We appreciated having the chance to read it, but feel that the piece is not for us.  Thanks again. Sincerely, Fence Editors

2) Thank you for sending us "[title]." We appreciated the chance to consider it, but it didn't work for Fence. Sincerely, The Fence Editors

3) Thank you for sending "[title]" for our consideration.  While we are not going to publish it, we enjoyed it quite a bit and wish to encourage you to submit again.   Please visit http://www.fenceportal.org and sign up for our email newsletter for notification of our next reading period. Sincerely, Fence

4) Thank you for sending us "[title]." This particular piece was not a right fit for Fence, but we were very impressed by your writing.  We hope you will feel encouraged by this short note to send us something else.  We look forward to reading more. Sincerely, The Editors of Fence 

 

Two Kinds of Rejections

In case you thought the rumors about tiered rejections were false.  Here is an example for you of the literary caste system:

Thanks for sending to West Branch. Though we have decided not to publish your work this time, we appreciate your interest in the magazine. Sincerely, The Editors of West Branch

Thank you for sending to West Branch. Though we have decided not to publish your work this time, we appreciate your interest in the magazine and hope that you will think of us in the future. Sincerely, The Editors of West Branch

What $43 Buys You

Convenient tiered rejection right before your very eyes.

Tiers and Tears

James McGirk (cloud across the sun that he is) has posted this interesting discussion on tiered rejections, complete with samples from his own fund.

Emboldened Agni

You've just got to LOVE a form rejection (click photo to read) with a bolded statement that says "This is not our customary rejection slip."  

• Generous business view:  This rejection supports the assertion that there are tiered rejections at literary magazines.
  
• Conspiracy theory view: the p.s. confirms that the statement is just a ploy to keep people feeling hopeful enough to buy a discounted subscription.