By Chrissy WidmayerToday, two of my poems went live on flashquake. It's my first publication, and I'm super jazzed. I sent out these two poems in a simultaneous submission to a number of places, and I never thought they'd get in anywhere. Now, of course, they're up on flashquake, and I have to go through the weird experience of removing them for consideration from all the other places. Anyone have suggestions on the most polite wording for that email? It's such a crazy situation to be in.
Also, the editors of flashquake are announcing that this is their last issue with the current staff. The lit mag might pass to others (and if anyone here wants it, I can get you in touch with the current staff), but this is the last issue of flashquake as we know it. I don't know how to feel about that as someone featured in this issue, but it's pretty sad overall. flashquake is a great little online mag for flash works.
Getting published right at the beginning of my MFA program is an extremely exciting thing for me. I feel like it sets the tone for this whole experience. I'm really pleased that this came through, and I can only hope that this bodes well for future success! I literally started crying when I found out, and then cried on the phone when I told my mother. She, of course, thought something terrible had happened as I choked out the sentence. But this is beyond exciting. I just had to share it with you all as soon as the link was live!
Congrats on the publication. Enjoy sending out these withdraws. It's a good feeling to be the one sending out the rejection letters for once :)
ReplyDeleteWhen withdrawing, just send a simple note that says "Dear (editor), I need to withdraw my submission (title) as it has been accepted by another publication. Thank you for your time, I look forward to sending you more work in the future. Sincerely, (name)"
With everyone being simultaneous submissions these days, that will happen. The journals expect it, and will generally send you back a "thank you" or even a congratulations. They don't mind your work being accepted elsewhere (heck, they should expect it if they are getting high quality submissions to begin with), and letting them know so they don't spend time and effort going through your unavailable submission is appreciated.
Congratulations! How exciting! I agree with Sam's example of a withdrawl letter.
ReplyDeleteOoooh...I just read the poems. So vivid! Great job!
ReplyDeletecongrats, that is such a fabulous way to begin!
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