Marian wrote:
This is my last comment on this subject as I'm sure that everybody must be fed up with it by now.
I thought it was a very productive thread. It provided newbie zine tribbers, and those who might be thinking about making their first submission, with information on the process.
This thread has left me with the question of how unreasonable / unrealistic / naive I am in expecting a reply from an editor? To me it seems a matter of common courtesy if nothing else (especially when, in case of non-electronic mail, one encloses an IRC).
I think every editor would want to send you that reply. But zines are hobbies. They are done in spare time. Spare time that is often very limited. And zine editors are human. I like to think that each of them is doing his/her best, and the same is true of all the other volunteers (con organizers, website owners, club officers, etc.) who contribute so much to fandom.
I'm not at all sure that I'd want to submit something to an editor with a
"you'll-find-out-whether-I've-accepted-your-story-when-you-get-your-contribu
tor's-copy" policy.
And that's your privilege. A writer always has the option of choosing where to submit stories. And a writer has the option to withdraw a story.
It's up to you to decide what your individual expectations and tolerances are. If timely replies are important to you, I'd recommend setting a time limit with future submissions. In your submission letter state that if you haven't heard back in x amount time, you'll assume the editor doesn't want your story and you will submit it elsewhere. That way you aren't left waiting for a response that might never come.
Speaking specifically in regard to Ashton Press, it's one of my favorite places to send stories. I received my first ever fanfic acceptance letter from Ashton Press; I can't tell you how long it took because I don't remember. But it was well worth the wait. Ann Wortham has been an encouraging, helpful, gently instructive editor. And her zines are first rate, not to mention large enough to double as lethal weapons.
Since those early days when I was just one of many tribbers, I've become friends with Annie. And I know that she's had many real life demands over the years that have seriously cut into her fan time. I'm very pleased that despite all of her trials and tribulations, she's still crazy enough to be willing to do more zines.
Carol Mc