Another story rejection today, which is perfectly fine - it means I'm back in the fray!
The trick with rejections is to know where you're going to send the work next.
This story received glowing comments from three readers before it was first sent out, so when I read today's rejection, I had it out to its next possible home within the hour.
(Second trick with rejections: *do not agonize over the contents of the rejection letter; there are no hidden clues!*)
@MLClark my past habit was to try to have up to 20 stories out and circulating. I don't think I'm doing that anymore...tracking that many stories becomes a struggle.
(and dear ghod this latest one reminds me why I prefer novels. The struggle to get the proper words is...real)
My happy place was 7-10 out at any given time. I use Duotrope to monitor submissions, though Submission Grinder is a good free-to-use equivalent. Will get back up to 7-10 soon!
(But for now? Boo, words! They do tend to flop about instead of finding their way into place, don't they?)
@MLClark I've always used an Excel spreadsheet to monitor submissions.
And wow. Did this last short story ever take me through the wringer. I will need to tweak the ending and smooth the pathway to the solution, but yeah. I suspect the market will either love it or hate it.
Was talking with a friend currently reissuing her backlist, discussing pacing of story writing and differing quality in our own work. Interesting thoughts.