Penumbra Submissions

Aaaaaand I'm in.

Superhero issue.

Mazel tov, Dustin!

I made it in time for the Isaac Asimov edition yesterday.
I received an auto response that my sub was received, first time I got one of those.
A nice explanation about the judging process was included.

I've got a story that might work for superheroes (it was rejected in time... so boo for rejection, but yay for being in time?). I'd need to cut almost 500 words from it though. Hm. I guess I'll have another look at it.

In the bizarre spirit of getting things done early, I am in for Isolation. Settling down for a long wait. (Although not, of course, compared to some other markets.)

I have a story in for Isolation too, the first story I've sent Penumbra for ages. I'm *hoping* they'll think this one actually fits the theme too.

Ooo, my story can hang out with a gator story! Fun times.

Isolation? That's a dangerous theme... I hope they're prepared for a ton of stories about a narrator standing still and pontificating.

I've got a couple of ideas for isolation. Might have to get cracking on that after I finish my current WIP. What's the worst that can happen? It's not like I'm unused to the word "no"

Isolation? But I haven't even started my Superhero story.

In for superheroes. I had to do three passes to cut it down. The first defintely made the story stronger, the second probably did. The third was pure desperation, and it was 3500 exactly at the end. But I'm in for the first time since revolutions.

I started thinking about it, and I've got a story out at Daily Science Fiction that would actually qualify as an "isolation" story. I'd just have to cut off about 700 words to make it work.

Unfortunately, it just went in over there, so I'm not particularly sure when it'll get a response. If, God forbid, that response is a rejection (doesn't anyone appreciate my genius ), then maybe it'll be in time for Penumbra to still take a look.

Isolation? That's a dangerous theme... I hope they're prepared for a ton of stories about a narrator standing still and pontificating.

I can do that!

My superhero story is written and just needs some revision before the deadline at the end of the month. Same with isolation, though the latter is flash length.

My Asimov story "while entertaining" did not make the final round.

Now, on to superheros!
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Same here, except that I pass on superheroes. Can't raise even a vestige of enthusiasm for the whole genre, I fear. Not even for Aunty Potestas the legendary old lady with the power to negate the powers of all other superheroes and villains and turn them into ordinary mortals who need to work for a living like everyone else.
On the other hand ...

I can also report that there has been no response to my query enquiring why there was no response to my Diodati.

I can also report that there has been no response to my query enquiring why there was no response to my Diodati.

I feel like Penumbra has been hit or miss lately with submissions. Can't tell if they're losing them or just forgetting to respond.

Did you check your spam folder?

Did you check your spam folder?

Yes. I have to do this regularly because it's a bit erratic. I sometimes wonder how often Penumbra checks theirs though. I wouldn't mind so much if it were not for the problem of submitting elsewhere something that was patently written for a Penumbra theme. The external assumption must be that Penumbra rejected the story. If they had actively done so, I assume they would tell me.

Thanks for your submission. Your story made it to the final round of stories but unfortunately didn't get selected for the homage to Isaac Asimov issue.

Not what I wanted to read. At least I made it a little farther than usual.

Thanks for your submission. Your story made it to the final round of stories but unfortunately didn't get selected for the homage to Isaac Asimov issue.

Not what I wanted to read. At least I made it a little farther than usual.

Oh, so close! Next time for sure!

Final round is good!

That's better than what I usually get. I'd call it a step in the right direction.

Penumbra has been strangely silent recently, according to The Grinder at least.

Based on past experience (I've made it to the final round twice) as well as their own statements, they send out their initial rejections a few days after the deadline, while the final judgement takes place at 30-45 days before publication of the issue.

Now it seems we're close to the final judgement for Superheroes (last issue's acceptances, for instance, were sent out on February 20th) but there seem to have been no rejections yet. Could it be they've decided to send all rejections simultaneously with the acceptances? This doesn't really make sense. Does anyone have any information / ideas on this?

No ideas, but at least I know I'm not the only one wondering whether I should have heard back yet.

I sent in a reprint of a comedic superhero story that's about 300 words long.

So, uh... I should be the first to get that rejection, and will let you all know.

Got my superhero rejection. They obviously just had a lot of submissions.

Just got my superhero rejection. Made it to the second round, but alas, no further. Already entered for isolation, though!

Just got my superhero rejection. Made it to the second round, but alas, no further. Already entered for isolation, though!

I, too, received my second-round rejection today. At least I'm in good company.

I'm thinking it's about time to hear about our isolated stories. Still time to enter for hyperspeed, though. Assuming you can put your story together with hyperspeed!

I'm thinking it's about time to hear about our isolated stories. Still time to enter for hyperspeed, though. Assuming you can put your story together with hyperspeed!

Yeah, it's been super quiet at Penumbra. My isolation story is the first one I've ever sent them. When do you all think they're start sending out responses?