A Quick "No" is Better Than a Slow "No"

If an editor is going to reject a submission, it's always better to say "no" quickly. In the humorous op-ed business, time is money. The longer an editor takes in reading a piece before rejecting it, the less likely the article will see light of day. 

I actually consider it a favor when editors send a a fast "no thanks" or "I'll pass." 

Would I rather they take the time to appreciate the set up and the jokes -- of course, though I'd actually prefer them to run the article and as soon as possible. But if they're going to reject it, I'd rather move on to the next publication that might be appropriate.

So while I was disappointed by a fast rejection by an editor who has published my work before, I'm looking at it positively. It wasn't right for her but she recognizes that I should have some luck elsewhere.

Because, after all, she didn't have to respond to my pitch. 

So onto the next outlet.

Meanwhile, I've got a couple of other articles out that are languishing in Editorial Purgatory. Which is really Editorial Hell as I wait and wait to hear back from an editor, unsure (in two cases) whether they even received the submission.

Well, onto the next piece.