It has been 11 months thus far for one of my stories. Eleven months at a magazine patiently waiting for an answer: will you publish this story or not? I'm told that this is a good sign. An editor at a literary magazine said this. She said, "It means they are interested. These things take time." So I am encouraged. Still, a baby could have been born in less time.
Compare this pace to a different magazine.
Two weeks, said the tweet. We will respond with detailed criticism and a publication decision in two weeks. So I set to work chopping and hacking two of my stories down to the 5000 word limit before sending them off. And to their word, in two weeks I had pages of feedback -- intelligent observations. I was impressed. Plus they wanted to publish my stuff. Both stories. Talk about a contrast.
I won't say who the first magazine is, but the latter is Embers Igniting. I'd check them out if the prospect of a speedy reply appeals to you. Mind you, that tweet was a Christmas special, a limited time offer, and who knows if that offer will be back next year. It's a Christian litmag out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I'm looking forward to their 2015 issue due out soon. It comes in both hard copy and web version, so two for one.
