It’s a step and it feels like one, when launching a story into the maw of potential publishers. It used to be an actual trip to the post office. Now, not so much. What it entails is a dash to a deadline, other times a carefully considered effort to fit a piece to the journal where you think a story can find a home and an appreciative audience. Of course, the sending and the waiting are streamlined. That can reduce the pain, but instead of waiting for a letter, I’m waiting for a Submittable notification or an email.

Overly dynamic action shot demonstrating matching stories to markets.

Perhaps, the bigger decision is to know when to withdraw a submission. It could be after six months, or eight, of waiting, of inquiring and no response. Then, once the decision is made, it doesn’t take much, a click here, or an email there and it’s done.  It’s almost clinical or surgical, except for the doubt and stress.

Writing is hopeful, but what is even more optimistic is sending it out. Then comes the gnawing doubt.

But where there is the slightest wiggle room of a chance, I leave the story where it is, between one submission and the next. All the while editing.

For my upcoming submission I need to make a story free range once more. In the meantime, it’s getting a fresh going over before being bundled out the digital doorway again.

Once a story has been ignored, for like a year, the publication is cast aside.

Meanwhile, the non responding journal or publisher joins my list of story no fly zones.