Sounds like rejection with comments is just a list of comments, one or more of which may apply.
Is there just one list, or several?
It sounds like once you get one, or once someone shows you one, that's it.
If that's correct, it becomes pointless.
Obviously the ideal thing would be a few hand written lines clarifying what's generally wrong with it.
Or at least a more specific generic letter.
Why won't they say what's exactly wrong ?
Like just tick a box on the form or something?
Is it just a trial?
Sounds it falls short for regular submitters.
While good for new people, there's a risk most will get one RWC, then never get another, as they use the list to check each submission.
The stuff seems pretty logical, so I wonder how many will slip up.
Apparently there's a need though.
It seems you'd like the contest, and perhaps other publishers in general, to perform a role for you that is easily done by peer reviews and critique feedback. That's not how story submissions work. Very rarely do editors and publishers provide feedback on the stories you send them.
If you're lucky, you'll get a helpful personal rejection back from an editor, but only if they feel it's a good enough story to comment on. If your story earns a Semi-Finalist certificate in this contest, you'll also get some helpful feedback.
I suggest you find a trusted group of peers and have them read and critique your stories before sending them to publishers. Given the thousands of entries the contest receives every quarter, it's unrealistic to expect them to provide helpful feedback for every story they receive. It's just not gonna happen. You need to do that work up front ahead of time before submitting.
Also, I don't appreciate your implication that the stories I'm writing are crap. That's a very unprofessional and discourteous thing to tell a fellow writer, especially in this forum.
"There are three rules to writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are."
— W. Somerset Maugham
Drop me a line at https://morganbroadhead.com
SFx1
HMx6
R/RWCx6
At this point in my writing career (and contest submissions), anything less than a Semi-Finalist is an R for me. I have enough HM's hanging on my wall.
I agree and disagree with this sentiment. I believe in celebrating the small wins of getting something above a straight R. However, at the end of the day, SHM and HM are still a no. When I've mentioned my HM in my cover letter, it causes confusion instead of being a boon. So, I don't even mention it.
SHM - 4
HM - 11
R - 11
My published works
Free will is a beautiful thing. The choice is entirely yours.
My studies suggest otherwise.
Good write up.
Also, I don't appreciate your implication that the stories I'm writing are crap. That's a very unprofessional and discourteous thing to tell a fellow writer, especially in this forum.
Ah, we're all writing carp.
Don't take it personally.
When I've mentioned my HM in my cover letter, it causes confusion instead of being a boon. So, I don't even mention it.
Very good info.
Is that the same with SHM?
Anyone else have any experiences like this?
