The Plight of the Expectant Writer

As I’ve shared previously, I aim to submit my writing to 100 places each year. As expected this leads to a lot of rejection sandwiched around the rare ‘wins’, but the area that stings more than a “no” is no response at all.

First of all, I understand that many calls for submissions are overwhelmed with responses. I’ve seen the posts by theatres or magazines that include some sort of exasperated “whoa people” followed by a number of submissions much higher than they expected.

Secondly, I also understand that a personalized response to each writer when the volume is so high is also not possible.

To be honest, I’d accept a canned email with zero personalization. Instead, and I’m tracking who responds and who doesn’t, we writers hear nothing back. They say hope springs eternal, but waiting forever stops feeling like hope eventually.

To any theatres, magazines, or contests out there, please make responding to the rejected writers part of your planning. It’s painful enough to be told no so many times, just don’t leave us hanging too, OK?

2025 Submissions to date: 83 … seen any new calls for submissions? Let me know