How Patience Changed My Week
Monday, November 10, 2008 
Eighteen months ago, I submitted a five-thousand-word story to the Bellevue Literary Review. It seemed, in my personal, uber-objective opinion, a very strong piece and perfect for the BLR, whose literature focuses on themes of sickness and healing.
Six months crept by. Nothing. Each time I checked in, I received a friendly response saying that it was still under review.
Nine months after submitting, I got the rejection letter. It was a detailed and encouraging email from Ronna Wineberg, Senior Fiction Editor at BLR, letting me know that she couldn't accept the piece as is, but would be willing to read a rewrite. I took this as positive news. I polished up the piece, addressing each of her very good editorial points, and submitted again a few weeks later, hopeful for a quick acceptance.
Months passed. No response. Seasons changed. Several times. I grew weary, frustrated. Why was I the only one who could see that this was the perfect story for this journal?
After nine months, I mentally wrote them off. I needed to get on with my life, I told myself--pick up the pieces, start again. That sort of thing. Kind of like trying to break up with someone who never agreed to date you in the first place.
But this past Friday, almost exactly eighteen months from my original submission date, I got an email from Ronna saying that the Bellevue Literary Review wants to publish my story in their Spring 09 issue.
See? What did I say about patience? There are happy endings after all. Maybe I just need to relax a bit.
Reader Comments (4)
yay yay yay!!! I have heard GREAT things about the editors at The Bellevue Literary Review--they really do see you through revisions. I've met Danielle Ofri, their EIC and she is super passionate about that litmag and the literary work.
Can't wait to read your story!
Thanks, Jade! I could almost hear your applause :)
I'm excited about this one. Ronna said she'd like to do some light edits. I'm sure I'll appreciate having the editorial guidance.
Woo hoo! Congratulations, Seth!
Thanks, Michelle!