Held for consideration

congrats, that's awesome!

personally I never reply since those emails are often automatically generated when a reader puts a story forward, and generally speaking the editor who is emailing you probably hasn't had a chance to read the piece yet themselves. doubt it would hurt you if you replied, but they'd probably prefer one fewer email at the end of the day if it's just saying thank you, look forward to hearing from you, etc.

I'd reply, even if it's just to say thanks for the update. But probably I'd ask if they have any idea of what the approximate timeframes might be.

I wouldn't reply. I know it's not technically a rejection letter, but replying creates the exact same problem: clutters up the editor's already busy inbox.

As a writer I don't reply, unless (very rarely) there's an explicit request for "please let us know if this is okay". (Not sure if I've ever actually seen it, or am imagining it.)

As a slusher, I don't mind a reply, but that's because (at PodCastle) bump notices usually go out from the slusher not the generic editor@ address (unlike rejections). It's quite nice, sometimes, as I usually try to put in why I enjoyed it and have bumped it.

In general, though, I would say: there's no expectation of replying, but no reasonable editor is going to suddenly unbump you for a breach of protocol or anything. Anyone who loses their poop at a simple email is not someone you want to work with anyway, I promise you.

Thanks so much everyone! I’ll sit tight as there was no mention of a reply in the email. Great info here, much appreciated.

I'm glad I found this message thread. First of all, congrats Rebecca for getting that far!
I also have a story being held for consideration. However, in his email to me, the editor said they'd try and have a decision for me by last week. As of today, still no response. So I'll probably give them until the weekend and follow up just to see if they're still considering it. Good to know that a brief status inquiry won't make them think I'm just really really impatient.

~Morgan

I don't think there's anything wrong with an inquiry when it's past the deadline they gave to you. As long as you're polite and not pushy about it!