04.23.2008
I don't know what's going on, but it seems like my Netfix and my rejections seem to like to come on the same day. I mention this because yesterday I got three new DVDs and rejection number forty-six.
Go figure.
In typical Asimov style, they returned the first page back like my messenger's head in a basket. It's all very Braveheart. This time, the proverbial messenger was my story Matriarchy, my little story about an almost literal war between the sexes.
As I may have mentioned before, this story was very carefully planned out, using an outline and all that shit, to avoid being... well... stupid. I didn't want someone going, "Oooohhh... there's a guy writing about how awful it is to have women in charge." It wasn't about who is in charge. It's basically an indictment of putting anyone in charge, the abuse of the power that comes with it, and a failure to learn from history when trying to establish a "new" society.
I am very proud of it.
It was very tightly written and became even tighter once I was done with my line edits. I don't think it ever becomes pedantic and I think the characters are pretty strong. Certainly, some of my best dialog is in that sucker.
But... Asimov's didn't seem to like it. Or, they may have liked it, but not enough for either a consideration or a personal response.
Oh well...
The most remarkable thing about this rejection was that it came in after only seventeen days. Asimov's averaged about thirty days a piece on my previous two submissions but their average time is now down to twenty-three days because of this. Those slush editors must just be cranking through the manuscripts.
Does this mean that late spring is a good time to submit? Are the editors enjoying the weather and getting more reading done?
I don't know. But it's a good theory.
Anyway... this makes the first rejection for Matriarchy though it will have many, many more before I even think about giving up on it. The only issue with it is that it's 5,700 words which is a little long for many of the internet submission venues. Which means that this is going to have to go to a lot more print magazines. It also means that it costs more in both printer paper and postage to get mailed but... hey, that's the game, isn't it?
This also marks my twelfth rejection for the year. I'm averaging forty days per rejection and my stories have already sat on editor's desks for a linear four hundred and eighty seven days.
So take that, suckers!
I still have three submissions out but, since I got stuff back from both Fantasy & Science Fiction and Asimov's, it looks like another trip to the post office is in my near future... Like, tomorrow or the day after. Also, Abyss & Apex opens to submissions at the beginning of May and I have a couple of things that I'd like to send there.
So! More is in the works. Have no fear.
Or have fear. But also have a beer. I'm deep into the planning of my Fiftieth Rejection Party. It's going to be held at my favorite bar, Fish, and will involve a selected reading of my favorite rejection letters. Anyone is invited and may bring their own letters to share. The date is forthcomming and dependent upon when rejection number fifty lands on my desk.
Until then, kids. Keep up the good work.