There are a few magazines/journals that I submit stories to where I don't understand how they do their responses. These all put out "issues" whether online or in print, as opposed to putting the individual stories up on a site at varying times.
I understand when they seem to have a tier system, where you probably either get your story back right away or else it's being considered for second round. And when they more or less respond in order received. Or, keep all or almost all of the stories until they've got that issue figured out, then give out responses all at once. And I understand that perhaps they'd keep a few for consideration next time or other minor variations here and there.
What I don't get are the ones who seem to randomly send responses. Irregularly, one at a time, and as often one from the middle number of days out as earlier or later dates (I know this because I subscribe to duotrope).
The impression is they randomly respond to just one from anywhere in the pile at random times.
What are they doing? I don't see a system in place there. (I'm not worried about any individual publication or story. It's something I notice from some of them through time, so I'm just curious, rather than in need of advice).
I understand when they seem to have a tier system, where you probably either get your story back right away or else it's being considered for second round. And when they more or less respond in order received. Or, keep all or almost all of the stories until they've got that issue figured out, then give out responses all at once. And I understand that perhaps they'd keep a few for consideration next time or other minor variations here and there.
What I don't get are the ones who seem to randomly send responses. Irregularly, one at a time, and as often one from the middle number of days out as earlier or later dates (I know this because I subscribe to duotrope).
The impression is they randomly respond to just one from anywhere in the pile at random times.
What are they doing? I don't see a system in place there. (I'm not worried about any individual publication or story. It's something I notice from some of them through time, so I'm just curious, rather than in need of advice).
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