CRUCIVERB.COM
Constructing => General Discussion => Topic started by: btemte on June 07, 2019, 02:25:52 PM
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Relative newbie here - is it bad form to politely withdraw a puzzle submission? I have submitted puzzles to various publishers and have experienced varying, but generally timely, response times. I have had one puzzle with a publisher for close to five months with no communication - I did send a polite follow up after two months. I like the puzzle, but after reading some other discussion threads on this site, I think it might not be in this publisher's wheelhouse. I would like to submit the puzzle elsewhere, but I wasn't sure about the protocol. Any insights would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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First, on the off chance that you are Robert Wemischner, editor Brad Wilber is looking for you as his emails are bouncing.
If not, here's my suggestion. I'd hang in there and wait it out. Some editors can be really slow in responding and occasionally exceed their "target" response date. Since you're a new contributor, it would not be looked upon favorably to withdraw a submission before getting a response (unless there was another reason besides the length of time involved). The fact of the matter is that it "comes with the territory" with certain publishers that you have to wait a long time for a response.
Assuming you're not planning for your constructing career to be comprised of only one puzzle, I'd get to work on more of them. If you're interested in a quicker turnaround you might consider trying one of the publishers who accept theme queries - these usually respond faster than those who require a completed puzzle for submission. In any case, it's very typical for constructors to have several puzzles pending review while other puzzles are in various stages of construction (I have about 20 awaiting response at the moment).
I'd also suggest you try reaching out to other constructors for comments about your work to make sure it's in good form and also for suggestions about which publisher(s) might be more likely to be interested in a particular type of puzzle. A great place to make contact with them (besides this forum) is the Facebook group Crossword Puzzle Collaboration Directory.
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Thanks Mark!
I hope my post didn't come off wrong. I wasn't trying to complain about the response time. I have multiple other submissions out and don't mind waiting for a response. It's just, upon further research, I don't think the publisher is going to be interested in this particular puzzle. However, I think you are right and it would better to just let it run its course and wait for a response.
Thanks for the other advice, as well!
Btw, I am not Robert Wemischner. I have placed something with Brad Wilbur though - he's great to work with!