Nomi's Wish, Take 3

[alanajoli]

I got a very nice e-mail back from the editors at Abyss & Apex, saying that while "Nomi's Wish" was "well received" by the staff, they've decided to pass on it this time around. If I had to guess, I'd say it was still the difficult length; it's nice to hear that it was well received though! I'll definitely be keeping Abyss & Apex on my list of places to submit.

I have one last thought about what I might do with "Nomi's Wish" before I take it out of the submission cycle and follow Jeff Duntemann (jeff_duntemann)'s example and offer it up as an e-book. It's definitely a piece I believe in and would like people to read, so it'll get out there in the world one way or another.

Correction: I just reread their note, and they actually specified what they felt made it a less-than-good fit for the magazine. So it wasn't the length.

Comments

[jeff-duntemann.livejournal.com]

Shop well for a publishing venue--I chose Lulu because of their expertise in POD fulfillment, not their expertise in serving ebooks. I suspect there are better places.

Don't hesitate to email me if you run into any especially gnarly issues.

Good luck. Good material deserves to be Out There!

[alanajoli.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Actually, I've had a question for you regarding Lulu. All Lulu books must be ordered *through* Lulu, correct? I was looking at Lightning Source for awhile, because they work directly with Ingram and B&T, which seems like it would be a good idea for actual hard-copy books getting into book stores. For the kinds of projects you're publishing through Lulu, do you feel you get a better venue through the Lulu store than you would in traditional bricks and mortar outlets?

less-than-good?!?

[pmoc.livejournal.com]

I am positive Nomi's Wish was suitable. Not only that, it would have helped make that mag one of the most popular sites in the world. And by world I mean my world.

Re: less-than-good?!?

[alanajoli.livejournal.com]

They felt it was lacking in narrative tension. I'm actually not entirely sure what that means in context, but once I figure it out, I'll better understand why they didn't accept it. ;) (Also, I'll read this quarter's magazine, as I did, to my shame, neglect to read the magazine before I submitted, as I was trying to get it in by deadline.)

"Nomi's Wish" will have a life out there somewhere, don't worry!

[dmoonfire.livejournal.com]

Heh, you got a great response from someone. That's always a bonus. Specially if they tell you what they like and don't like. Sooner or later, it will find a home.

I say that, but I just decided to go a different route with a book I've been trying to find a home for six years now. :)

[alanajoli.livejournal.com]

I really am pleased. Even though they didn't want my story, their thoughtful response made my day.