News: closing to submissions

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

We're doing our best to get to everything (slush, editor's inbox re: slush, and issues 6 and 7), but there have been a few life changes, extended illnesses, and the like—all this when we were already struggling to catch up.

We're closing slush for two months in order to do our best by those who have already submitted, and by our readers and subscribers. We eclipsed 1250 submissions pending reply a week ago, for the first time ever. We know that this is not acceptable, especially as they're pretty much a continuous line since the end of January. We've managed to make at-the-time-significant swaths through sections of these (leaving the most promising items for more discussion), but then there's the chunk of submissions we haven't really managed a first look at, which for the most part goes back to mid-march.

This isn't meant to be an excuse, just an explanation. We want you to understand where things are and what our goals are. We aim to have cleared our slush by September 1, except for a very small number of pieces that will likely be shortlisted. Issue 6 will have been released, and Issue 7 will be in edits. Ideally Issue 8 will be mostly sorted out as well, but that's where the short-listed will lie.

Wish us luck? And anything you could do to help spread the word of GUD would, of course, be appreciated. Thanks to all for continuing to send GUD your best.

- reddit, digg, facebook, stumbleupon, etc... please! ;)

posted by kaolin

10 comments; 8 subscribers

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 / 11:39:09

kyleaisteach

I, for one, would rather have you close, catch up, re-open, and repeat as necessary rather than let the response times get out of hand. So, thank you.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 / 11:44:29

kaolin

Thank you. :) We'll do our best! The stars seem to be aligning at last, at least.

Friday, June 25, 2010 / 07:18:40

espy

I've heard from other online zine editors and readers that the mountain of submissions can be daunting. I'm sure you would like to be able to accept everything that comes really close to what you want, but only a few can get the "accepted" response. Choosing the ones that make the grade must be the hardest work imaginable.

I definitely agree with kyleaisteach. I'd rather you closed temporarily then rush the reading.

Sunday, July 11, 2010 / 08:49:53

John F. Keller

Gud luck! As difficult as it is to await a response, I know it's likely frustrating on the editor/slush reader's end too.

Regards,
JFK

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 / 07:11:19

Sunny Sid

I agree with the others above, far better to have a break and catch up than have (and spread) the stress that comes with being snowed under. Sorry to hear the mention of illness. I hope all is well now. All good (and GUD) wishes for continued success and good health.

Oscar

:)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 / 06:06:57

Debbie