We had a thread a few months ago about the length of time it takes AHMM to respond to story submissions.  I submitted back in July.  When I received no word by the end of September, I sent a polite e-mail, asking if it got there. I was told that they were running behind.

Well, by Christmas it will be 5 months, and still no answer.  I've published with AHMM from the beginning, have always given them exclusives, and have never had a story turned down after the first one.  In 2000 I won a Shamus with a story in AHMM.  So I'm upset.

 

Since this isn't fair to a writer (we don't give publishers exclusives on a ms. for more than a month), I have just withdrawn my submission.  And believe me, that was hard to do, since I got my start there and have always felt very grateful.

 

The story is important to me.  It's one of my best, I think.  Not sure what to do next.

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I agree with you.  I've had a story with A.H. since July 7.  Besides submitting, I am also a subscriber & I've noticed they are quit prompt about asking for renewal fees.  This practice is not only disrespectful to writers it is a poor business practice.  They've been in business long enough that they can afford to get a little extra help on submissions.  I admire your decision to withdraw.  I will consider it also in the future.  At this time I have so many stories out, I wouldn't know where to send it anyhow.  Best,  Jed

Thanks, Jed.  I've had an apology, but no promises. I'm asking for a deadline.  And yes, the problem is where else to go.  Sigh.  It's been a very bad year!

I sent a story back in July and just sent an email query.  I got a polite response saying their wait time for submissions is now 7 months.  I'll keep waiting.  But I've never had a story published in AHMM, so I'm willing to wait.

7 months????  Dear God!  On the other hand, I've had all of mine (13 or 14) published there, and do think they might get me out of the slush pile.

It's possible that they really are that far behind.  With the recession, there may be a lot of 'writers' out there who think they'll get rich quick selling their stories (ha!), so they may have been flooded with stuff.

As to being able to afford extra help, they're probably in the same boat as everyone else, cutting staff where they can so they can keep afloat.  The current economy isn't easy on any of us.

Yes, the editor is down to 1/2 assistant.  But would she really read every submission herself and in the order it arrived?

IJ, seems to me you might be cutting off your nose to spite your face here. AHMM is just about the only print outlet that pays, that carries some prestige. Maybe Ellery Queen. But what good is the story sitting at your house? You like the story. You want it to be noticed, to have a chance at the awards. AHMM likes your stuff and is almost certain to take it once they get caught up. Swallow a little of your author pride and tell that editor you've changed your mind. I'll bet she buys it by March or April.

Barring that, I'd love to see your story for Spinetingler. We only pay $25, but this year our stories will be e-published before they're installed online.

Submission guidelines

Well, there is EQMM or Strand (which is also slow and doesn't know me, but gets the N.Y. crowd).  There is also Kindle et al.  The story can be making money, rather than sitting around.

Many thanks for your offer, but I'm interested in e-rights myself, as you see.  The story is good.  I was hoping for awards submission.

I would commission some cover art and self-publish it as an ebook.

Thanks, Jude.  It may come to that.  A pity.  As I said, it's a damn good story.

 

And here's an observation: self-publish and you'll earn some money, but you'll not get anybody to sit up and tell you you've done a good job.

Wahoo!  They like the story!  My God, that's a relief.  This has been terrible for my self-respect.

Thanks all!

And I should say again that I've always gone straight to AHMM.  They have done a lot for me in the past, and I'm very grateful.

On the other hand, for those of you who are waiting:  apparently we all wait. These are indeed tough times.

Congrats, IJ!

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