Aphelion

Consider it done, Nate. We're already working on the next issue, and putting it up sometime this coming weekend sounds good to me. Read on!

an

<br><br><br>Is that your subtle way of telling us lower-level editors to KINDLY FINISH PICKING AND BLURBING BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS? I'm up to six picked, edited and HTML'd; should have a few more in the next few days. Are you making "Best of" selections for Short Stories? Should I?<br><br>Robert M.

Speaking of the "big" issue. I submitted a story a little bit ago, Robert. Did it arrive early enough to make the Dec/Jan issue? Not that I assume it was good enough to be automatically published, just wondering if it had gotten to you in time for consideration.


-- david j.

<br><br>I've picked 7 out of about 10 for Dec./Jan., and have 9 more submissions to read before I even get to stories received in November. Yours came in November 26th, so ... unless the next dozen stories in the queue are all bad, looks like your story would be a candidate for February or March. The number of outright rejects these days is pretty small (maybe 30% or less? Dan once said that Carey ended up rejecting about that many, but usually sent the author away with a list of changes so they might go through a few cycles before finally giving up).<br><br>You can submit the story elsewhere, given the likely long delay -- just let me know if it's accepted.<br><br>Robert M.

Of course, Simon Owens would tell you that sometimes a long delay is a good thing. It might mean that you've made it past the first filter (lowly slush pile readers) ... Beats the immediate "didn't work for me" rejection (where the slush pile readers apparently judge things by, I don't know, the font you use for the title).<br><br>Robert M.

Great One? "unforgibbon" is a screen name for Wayne Gretzky? Or maybe Jackie Gleason -- no, wait, he's dead ...<br><br>I'm so confused.<br><br>Robert M.

From Ain'tIaFool News:<br><br>Unforgibbon -- the upcoming blockbuster crossover sequel to two of Clint Eastwood's masterworks, "Unforgiven" and "Any Which Way You Can". A tough, weathered bareknuckle boxer and gunslinger comes out of retirement again to avenge an unspeakable crime -- and this time he's not alone. Riding at his side is ... the Borneo Kid, a gun-totin', cigar-smokin', long-limbed ape.<br><br>Coming Summer 2006.<br><br>Robert M.

it was me, meeee, not Nate! sob sob when will i be acknowledged?

Lee

<br><br>Who knew I could throw my voice when typing? 8)<br><br><br>Maybe folks are just so used to me asking crazy things. :)<br><br>Nate

you have that power over people, Nate. like the bene gesserit (spl?) from dune. now THAT'S voice.

yeah and what's the deal with simultaneous subs? why the hell do they care?

Lee

<br><br>'Cause they hate to waste time reading something from the slush pile that they can't publish! I've lost a couple of stories that I really liked that way (where I've taken rather a long time to respond). With my tendency to mediting (meddlesome editing), it's even worse, because I may not only have spent time reading, but fixing spelling and 'fixing' (to my liking, not necessarily improving...) other things.<br><br>Robert M.

mediting...isn't that medical editing? sorry, off topic.

Lee

<br><br>Well, I like to think of it as surgery. The victims -- er, patients -- er, authors -- probably think of it as butchery, or vivisection with a chainsaw.<br><br>Robert "Sweeney Todd is my idol" M.

[move]Wouldja<br>believe,<br>an extra<br>[glb]TWO[/glb]weeks?<br>::)[/move]<br><br><br>Robert M.