Hello, 50-word authors!
For the past several years, I have routinely sent out notices at the end of each month to authors whose stories were not selected to be published. Due to time constraints, I have unfortunately very rarely been able to provide feedback or critiques, but I felt it was important for people to know that their story had been read and considered.
The volume of submitted stories has consistently grown over the years, to the point that I’ve been sending out hundreds of emails at the end of each month, which is a fairly tedious process but still one that I felt was worthwhile. But… my email service has begun applying much more aggressive spam filtering recently, which means that the majority of the unused-story emails I send are now being bounced back to me.
Since most of the emails aren’t getting through, and the process of sending them is time-consuming, I’ve decided that I will no longer be sending out notifications for unused stories. That said, you’re welcome to inquire after your story at month’s end if you think there’s a chance it didn’t go through somehow, or if you’re hoping for some feedback.
Thanks for understanding, and thank you for continuing to read and write microfiction!
Understood. That makes sense.
Tim, you’re a thoughtful editor and e-publisher. I’ve noticed the broadening of your authors from more geographies. That’s a testament to your selection process and to the great material you receive and disseminate. I’m proud to have 3 squibs published through you and know I didn’t succeed by 1st of a new month when I haven’t seen my piece. Hat’s off and, no, this isn’t a cute wrangle to lock-in getting my next piece published!
my thoughts, too, Karin! Best wishes.
I agree with Karin’s comments. End-of-month ‘not used stories’ emails are not necessary. Keep up your great work — it is greatly appreciated.
Karin has put this more eloquently than I ever could.
Thank you, Tim, for all you do for your short-form authors! It is so appreciated!
I believe I speak for a lot of writers when I say that we’re extremely grateful for the platform you provide. I also agree that the end-of-month emails aren’t necessary. I truly appreciate this website and all the work you do!
Well said Susan. Thank you Tim for your work creating a place to share our tiny works. I love reading them and writing them!
Thank you for your continuing efforts and time to bring these stories to us. Much appreciated
Thanks for letting us know why we didn’t receive an acknowledgement email. The fact that you were willing to do this in addition to everything else for so long makes you true mensch.
Your work, and your words, are greatly appreciated, Tim. The amount of writings coming into ALL journals has grown from a flow to a flood over these last few years. Keep up with the main effort; let the rest back off as needed. And .. remember to breathe, deeply …
It was a very time-consuming courtesy, and, anyway, we’ll know by the end of the month whether the story was chosen, or not. The fun is in writing the stories, and so I am sure I speak for all of us when I thank you for the opportunity to do so.
Thank you for the up-date. Notification and feedback will be missed. It all sounds very time consuming and I understand your decision.
Deb T
Missoula, Montana
Makes complete sense. I appreciate and applaud everything you do for us, Tim!
This makes complete sense to me. I think you run a great platform, Tim, very impressed! 😊