Is this a standard rejection

[Phyrebrat]

It's the second time I've ever subbed and it's a bit wordy compared to my other rejection. I don't know whether to take heart from that.

It was for the newly resurrected () Horror Library Anthology

Thanks

pH

Dear Christopher,


Unfortunately, I’m going to pass on Gash.


The story is fine and I enjoyed reading it, howevfer it overall didn’t quite work for me as an ideal inclusion into HORROR LIBRARY 6. Please know that I’m not rejecting this work due to any flaw of your own ability. Editors have subjective taste when it comes to the direction and overall ‘feel’ on an anthology.


Please keep writing as perseverance will lead to greater expertise and success! I look forward to reading more material from you in the future.


Warm regards,


Eric

 

[Brian G Turner]

Unless there specific references to content of your work, then it's a standard rejection.

Personalised means they mention features/characters/plot elements unique to your book.

 

[The Judge]

Sorry to hear it was a "no" from them.

I'd agree it's a standard rejection, but I wonder if he has a two-tier (or more) system -- I can't believe he sends "I look forward to reading more material from you in the future" to absolutely everyone! So despite its being standard wording, I still think that it's something for you to take encouragement from.

 

[Phyrebrat]

Thanks. I only send stuff rarely so I'm happy to hear TJ's rider

oH

 

[Foxbat]

I think this guy doesn't want to close the door completely on you so I'd see this as encouraging.

I've had dozens of rejections ranging from 'Not interested' (quite dis-heartning) to 'I'm still annoyed that I couldn't persuade the other editors to accept your previous story' (this mag has four editors in the team).....this one made me laugh a little

 

[Juliana]

I agree with TJ; I think it's quite likely that many editors have two or more standard rejection letters they use.

 

[ratsy]

I'm just glad to see you subbing stuff!!! Woohoo

 

[Phyrebrat]

Alright alright, ratsy, don't start, okay I sub to you, at least

pH

 

[AnyaKimlin]

Unless there specific references to content of your work, then it's a standard rejection.

Personalised means they mention features/characters/plot elements unique to your book.

Not always. I got one from a certain Scottish agent that I filed away under standard rejection. After talking to one of her authors I discovered she hardly ever sent out rejections and it was indeed a personal rejection.

 

[ratsy]

@Phyrebrat Just because I had a story rejected recently and I want to find a home, I sent A Place in the Woods to this call. Their email reply saying they got it, said they are expecting 1000 submissions, so to be patient....not expecting a win on this one!

 

[Jesspica]

Yours is a standard rejection. But so is, "Let's do lunch."

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Yours is a standard rejection. But so is, "Let's do lunch."

I don't agree, sorry. What this editor specifically says is it's not a good fit for this anthology but he's not ruling out future subs. Phyre - I'd take it as exactly that. Not right this time - but good enough to notice. (Have been away this week so missed this.)

 

[DZara]

It had a friendly tone, at least. And no check boxes.

 

[Foxbat]

Just for the record, I had one editor who sent me a similar encouraging rejection notice to the one in the OP. So I took him at his word and kept trying..sending a fair few stories his way and receiving similar encouraging rejections. Finally, he wrote back saying he'd love to publish the latest story (and it's due out in January 2017 folks) so this kind of message can be exactly what it appears to be.

 

[AnyaKimlin]

I've got a similar one from my dream agent - that I am hoping she means because she's getting Girls on the Rise next Marchish time.