Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Request for revision

This is topic Request for revision in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :

This is a first for me. I've completed the revision of the short story, hopefully addressing the weaknesses the editor pointed out. I think I'm ready to send it back for final consideration.

This is the only crack I'll get at it though right?

Also, this is a sim-sub. It's been at the other market long enough to query and receive a response. I know the other market liked it, but has not yet made a decision. It would be inappropriate to ask if they'd like to read the revised version, right?

Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :

Well, if they don't like that revision, they could ask for a further revision...admittedly, a less likely possibility than rejection-after-one-revision, but a possibility.

Posted by rich (Member # 8140) on :

At the risk of speaking without actually knowing what's going on...

Did the editor ask for the revision? If he/she didn't, don't send it. Don't mistake feedback from the editor as an invitation to rewrite and resend the same story.

Definitely don't send the revised version to the other market you sent it to.

I'm also not sure I understand exactly what you mean when you say, "the other market liked it, but has not yet made a decision". Are you saying that the editor responded with a "maybe"? If that's the case, leave it be and don't resubmit to the first market you mentioned even if the editor said to resubmit. If you do resubmit, you owe it to the editor to let him/her know it's somewhere else waiting on a final decision.

Either way, I'd not make a habit of your current practice. Send one story at a time to one publication at a time.

Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :

I suppose I should clarify, rich.

Both markets allow simultaneous submissions as per their guidelines, and both are aware that my story is a simultaneous submission.

The editor at market A said: "I am interested in the story, but would like to see some revisions before making a final decision... I look forward to seeing your revision, but please, take your time."

Market B's website suggested sending a query if they didn't respond to a submission after 30 days. I sent a query after 47 days. The editor responded to the query saying they had enjoyed the story, but hadn't yet decided whether or not to accept it.

That being said, I may avoid submitting simultaneously to these markets in the future as you suggest. It could be a bit of a nail-biter waiting to see who responds first (though the most likely scenerio is just two more rejections on the pile).

And you're right, it would be rediculous ask to market B if they want to see a revision. I guess I should know that, it's just a temptation.

[This message has been edited by Ethereon (edited November 25, 2010).]

Posted by rich (Member # 8140) on :

Thanks for the clarification, Ethereon. Sounds like you've got everything under control. Hope they both come back saying they want it.

Posted by tchernabyelo (Member # 2651) on :

It is perfectly possible that, if an editor likes your story, you may go through several rounds of revisions.

I'm currently trying to sort out a fourth version of a story for one particular market. It's an interesting learning process, but hard work.

Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :

Thanks tchernabyelo. That's good to know.
Doing this first one was indeed hard work. The cool thing is that even if this editor ends up rejecting it, he's still pushed me to write a much better story (IMO), so I guess it's win-win however it turns out.

[This message has been edited by Ethereon (edited November 26, 2010).]