While browsing the Internets late at night, I found this interesting read: http://www.andromedaspaceways.com/slush.htm About half-way down, in the FAQ, the editor answers the question, "How does your slush-reading process work?" Talk about natural selection.
From experience, I can tell you that reading slush, while often interesting, is a never-ending task. It continually shows up in the 'in box' and editors/slush readers are almost never caught up...and if they are, within hours you're likely behind again. Competition for publication, even with smaller ezines is pretty stiff. Each ezine/magazine/publisher devises a method that works to meet their needs as efficiently and 'fairly' as possible. Nobody wants to let a good story slip by. A few suggestions (which I'm sure many have heard before--probably for a reason ) : Read the guidelines and what the market is looking for. Format as per guidelines. Cover letter--keep it relevant and brief. If provided, accept the comments professionally, even if you (the writer) don't agree with them. Terry
I read the first page or two. If there are mistakes galore, or the story doesn't ring with me, I put it rejection folder number one. Then, another editor comes along and reads it. If s/he doesn't like it, it goes in folder two. If it goes into folder three, it's scrapped and the author is told that it wasn't up to the standard required.
