Okay, so I got a letter back from Cemetary Moon magazine.
The story I'd sent out was "Under the Surface"
This is what it said: _________________________________________
Thank you for your submission.
I apologize for the delay in response time, which is due, in part, to the overwhelming amount of submissions.
At this time I will have to pass on your story, though I encourage you to send more submissions my way.
Thanks again for the opportunity to view your work.
Chris __________________________________________
I am not an expert on the subject, not yet anyway, but the key line in this is "I encourage you to send more submissions my way" - I would imagine that is a personalized response, though I've not received one before. That is a good thing, isn't it?
[This message has been edited by XD3V0NX (edited September 29, 2010).]
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Yes, basically it is a step above a form rejection. They are telling you that the particular story didn't work for them, but are strong enough a writer to be published in their magazine.
So yes, take encouragement
Posted by tchernabyelo (Member # 2651) on :
I'm not familiar with the specific market so I can't comment. It's a rare market, though, that will actively solicit more submissions unless they mean it, since most markets are swamped.
Be aware, though, that some markets have a number of different "form" responses, or form responses into which they can slot an additional comment or a few words to make things look more personal than they actually are.
Posted by TrishaH24 (Member # 8673) on :
I don't see why an agent or publisher would actively encourage people to submit stories to them if they are not at least intrigued by the story. That story wasn't for them. But you're their kind of writer. Hit them up again. You never know what might happen!
