If the publication accepts simultaneous submissions, send it to another publication that does, that way you’re not waiting around. Then if/when it’s accepted somewhere, let the other pubs to which you’ve submitted that it is no longer available along with the information about when you originally submitted.

Writers need to remember that editors receive a lot of e-mail (and snail mail), and that it takes time to read through all of them and make a well-informed decision. Also take into consideration submission deadlines. If person “A” sent in a submission or query that’s “okay, but would work” early, but person “B” sent in “the perfect fit” right at deadline, it wouldn’t be prudent to have accepted submission “A” when submission “B” was the perfect one for that pub. What would you do as an editor–when accepting both may not be in the cards and the goal is to publish the best content possible? You’re competing not just to get into a certain pub, but against all of the other writers interested in being published with that publication.

Part of freelancing requires a lot of patience, especially until you’ve established a relationship/reputation with a publication/editor.

As for how long is reasonable? A month, sometimes two…depends on the publication. Sometimes it can take longer if the publication is short staffed and volume of subs is high. Also check your spam folder, where responses from editors can sometimes lurk. I’ve seen it happen.

Hope that helps.

@#4…I realize it was a tad long, but I felt some areas needed a bit more explanation. Glad that it still held your interest though. The idea was to give writers some tips for breaking through the “gatekeepers.” I don’t think that everyone automatically ends up in the slush pile, and also wanted to have a good balance between what a new freelance writer (or new to a particular pub.) and an experienced freelance writer might need.

@#3…Excellent tip for using the library. I’m going to add to that friends/family with recent back issues.

@Sara…You’re welcome! Glad I could help…now, go get ‘em!
@Rhonda…Glad I could tickle your funny bone. Thanks for reading! Making mental note: tone down humor a tad so that people can get through post. :p lol

@Jenny…thanks. Knowing the market can be key…it really makes the editor feel comfortable with you as a writer–even *if* they reject the piece you’re pitching at that time. If those other things are in place, they’ll think “hey, this writer really gets us, let’s keep the channels of communication open.” You might not hit it out of the park, but a base-hit is better than striking out.

4 and 5 are especially good pieces of advice. Thanks!

My reservation comes with your title. I am not really sure these are tips to stay out of the slush pile as much as they are tips to improve your odds of acceptance and publication. Perhaps they are tips on GETTING out of the slush pile, rather–because in most cases, unless you have an “in” with an editor at a company, you’ll be in the slush pile until you provide a reason to get out of it.

But really, I’m being nitpicky. This was great.