Can editor keep my articles?

by Alison Banville
25th February 2016

I submitted some articles to a women's magazine and the editor was very enthusiastic saying she loved them etc. She asked me to up the word count on them which I did and then sent them back to her. She replied saying she'd get back to me but it's now been a week and I haven't heard anything. I'd like to submit them elsewhere if she's not going to publish them and I believe I have copyright. I've emailed her asking if she'd still like to publish so was wondering how long to wait before submitting the pieces elsewhere? Thanks.

Replies

I agree with Lorraine - particularly the last sentence. If something is time sensitive you could have a problem for your story will lose its vitality. On the other hand, writing 'Time Is Of The Essence' at the top of your piece could draw an editor's attention.

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Edward
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Edward Richardson
26/02/2016

A week in the life of a magazine editor is absolutely nothing. Give her a month, then e-mail. She's not planning on using them in a hurry - possibly some months from now; they work on long time-scales in the magazine world.You really do have to be patient - or withdraw your pieces.

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Lorraine
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Lorraine Swoboda
25/02/2016