It might come as a surprise to you, but the majority of
stories rejected by literary magazines are good. At least, there is nothing
wrong with them. They have a fine plot, developed characters and accomplished
language. Why are they rejected, then? Because writing a good story is not
enough. Your competition—and that’s what the other writers are—crafts well. You
are not competing with half-wits amateurs. Your story has to stand out. It has
to be best of the best. As simple as that.
2 comments:
Also sometimes it's a matter of taste, and fit with the editorial mission. Some perfectly fine stories are just not right for certain outlets while just the thing for others (or maybe just for one).
Yes, the editor is the final arbiter.
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