I know there are a great many authors wondering about the status of their Escape Pod submissions. I want to know my story's fate so I can throw another back into the pile. (I think that's called masochism.)
There aren't even slush rejections coming down the pipe, or if there are, they aren't reaching Duotrope. There is a clog in the drain somewhere. The worst part for me is that I don't see evidence that it's being dealt with. (This is not to suggest it is not being dealt with, just that I can't see it from my exterior vantage point.) I'd like to see some sort of announcement regarding how long responses are currently expected to take. Or perhaps to see submissions close until they're caught up. (When I get behind grading things in my classes -- which happens periodically for a variety of reasons-- I stop collecting new homework until I've caught up.) Or I'd like to see...something acknowledging the frustrations the writers are feeling.
My submission is close to 300 days. Honestly, I'm willing to wait a year to hear from Escape Pod. I would, however, like to know I'm waiting a year before I send it. And whether it has been received and added to the queue; I haven't received confirmation of that much.
This is a time for patience, no doubt. This time of year is a beast for us all. Maybe it'll be the new year before responses start trickling again. Maybe March. All I'm asking -- what I hope my colleagues are asking -- is to be informed.
