Photo Gallery Rejected

Wanting to have my pictures published in besides the local newspaper, The Pender Post, and at Haruah, I branched out to Gambara on March 21, 2007. I sent them a photo gallery of seven shots.

These pictures were taken at Moores Creek National Battle Field in North Carolina. Re-enactors dressed to play the part and did camp actives which were common during the colonial period in remembrance of the 231st anniversary of the 1776 Patriot victory. This victory over the Loyalists made the royal governor realize that North Carolina couldn’t be regained for the British crown. Shortly after their victory, the colony of North Carolina voted to declare it’s independence from Great Britain.

After waiting a little over the three month waiting time, I sent an inquiry:

[quote]
Dear Editors,

I was checking on the status of my seven shot photo gallery I submitted to you on March 21, 2007, titled "Living History." This was my first attempt in formatting and submitting a photo gallery to you and I wanted to make sure that you received it and it was formatted correctly. Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,
W. Joy Robelen
[end quote]


On July 11, I got my answer:

[quote]
Hello there,

I got the gallery fine and was able to check it out with no problems. I liked the way you formatted that, with each caption followed by a link to third-party hosting; I haven't seen that format in any other submission, but it was very clear and I thought it was a good idea. Anyway, the gallery was interesting but we're going to pass on it. Sorry about the long wait -- I'm hoping that I'll be able to stay more on top of submissions in my new situation. Best of luck in the future!

--Scott Johnson
[end quote]

My husband told me that what I sent was not what the wanted. Which I kind of knew, but they said that they really wanted pictures and I thought the might like mine. I have another idea or two to send them, but those will have to wait.

One reason, one of the photos that I thought of using is already subbed out else where and secondly, I have gotten around to talking the other shots.

Rejected by Clockwise Cat

On July 6, I sent out “A Mother’s Love” to Clockwise Cat. I didn’t think it was a great fit, but sometimes you just don’t know until you try and they were going to be closing their submission time shortly.

If you recall, “A Mother’s Love” was published in the 11th issue of Haruah and in the 1st issue of Turn the Page. I decided to see if anyone else would be interested in this little flash piece.

I got my answer on July 9, only 3 days later.

[quote]
Hi Joy,

I am sorry to report that we are passing on your piece, "A Mother's Love." Though well-written, the story does not fit the tenor of Clockwise Cat. Perhaps in the future you will have a submission more suitable to the publication's style.

Thanks,
Alison Ross
Editor, Clockwise Cat
[end quote]

Well, at least a got a personal rejection and an upbeat one at that. Well, worth three days.

Rejected by Xelas -- 239 days

On March 31, I sent my third inquiry to the Xelas Magazine. After not hearing from them, I sent a forth.

On July 6, 2007, I received this from them:

[quote]
Dear Joy,

Thank you for your continued patience with us. I apologize for not
replying to your second inquiry. The past few months have seen us all here pulled in different directions; I'm sure you understand.

I am sorry to say that we are unable to publish your story in our
Forthcoming issue. We hope that you will consider us in the future, though, and we wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors.

Regards,
Jennifer Armentrout
[end quote]

This was a 239 day rejection.

If anyone tells you that getting published is easy....they’re telling you the biggest whooper ever.