Hatrack River Writers Workshop: To query, or not to query?

This is topic To query, or not to query? in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :

Escape Pod's had a story of mine 170 days so far. According to Duotrope their average response time is 102 days, but I know their response times vary widely and can be quite long (there is no estimated response time in their submission guidelines even though Duotrope lists 60 days).

Nevertheless I am itching to query if it hits 180 days. What do you highly experienced folks say? Bad idea?

If it would be reasonable to query, how does one usually word such a thing? I imagine it should be sparse and direct like a cover letter. Would any of you highly experienced folks be willing to share how you usually word yours?

Thanks!

Posted by Merlion-Emrys (Member # 7912) on :

I'd go ahead and query now. 170 days is a long time.

I usually just say

"Dear Editors

I subbmited *story* on *date* and haven't recieved a response. I'd just like to enquire as to it's status. Thank you for your time."

Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :

I'm not that much of a pro and I've never queried a story. But I'm not sure if it would hurt in anyway. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I don't see why it would unless it was very close to their stated turnaround time.

As to how, I forget about them but most markets have a statement somewhere to say how you should query. Most say send an E-mail even if they want paper subscriptions. So I say look over their guidelines. If they don't say send an E-mail with query in the header.

Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :

Thanks guys