An Exercise in Sarcasm

I sent a short story to Gulf Stream magazine. They held onto it for 373 days. What follows is their rejection letter. I think the letter does a nice job of recognizing how long they held the story. There's a warmth to the letter that suggests that they understand the frustration that goes with having a story out at a magazine for so long. Plus, they gave me a clear sense as to the merits of the story and why they had to hold it for so long . . . and why, after all that time, it was a near-miss. I was touched to receive such a personal letter but, then too, I realized that I deserved such treatment after the exorbitant amount of time they held the story. Thanks, Gulf Stream!

Okay, get your asses ready for some warmth!


Dear Jeff,

Thank you for submitting your story to Gulf Stream. We appreciate the opportunity to read your work. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept your submission for publication at this time. We wish you the best of luck placing your work elsewhere.

Sincerely,

Fiction Editors
Gulf Stream Magazine


Damn, I feel like although I didn't have a story published, I met some really congenial people.

Gotta go . . . tears are welling.