Complaints about stories being pending for ages

[SugarStorm]

I recently submitted a story of mine, Hearts Like Ours Pt. 01, in Lesbian Sex. Waited four-five days, nothing. I pulled it back, changed a few wordings, re-submitted. Waited two days, nothing, pulled it back again, changed a few more things (because I'm hopeless), and then resubmitted for a third time.

Got published in less than 24 hours.

Can't quite understand why. I figured that every time I pulled it back my slot in the queue should have been reset, but I guess that's not how it works?

 

[feel_the_beast]

Now you're making me feel like an idiot for letting mine sit for, as of this writing, 33 days. This is starting to look more and more to me like some glitch in the data management system used by Lit management to review stories.

 

[TheLobster]

Now you're making me feel like an idiot for letting mine sit for, as of this writing, 33 days. This is starting to look more and more to me like some glitch in the data management system used by Lit management to review stories.

Drop Laurel a PM with a polite reminder. You won’t get an answer, but hopefully things will start moving.

If nothing happens after another 2-3, I suppose you can try what @SugarStorm did, though it does seem rather weird.

 

[SugarStorm]

Now you're making me feel like an idiot for letting mine sit for, as of this writing, 33 days. This is starting to look more and more to me like some glitch in the data management system used by Lit management to review stories.

For the story prior to my most recent one, I waited more than three weeks. Maybe it's a numbers game, like % of stories get scrutinized, and if you're a bit lucky, you have one that doesn't, and get fast-tracked. I think it'd explain a lot of the inconsistent behavior we see.

Still, who knows.

 

[FrancesScott]

After thirteen days, I wave the white flag. I’ve withdrawn my submission. I might consider resubmitting it at some later point, but I can’t say that my motivation is very high. The experience has been pretty crap and has left a very bad taste in my mouth. I empathize with those who have been subjected to the same. No buisness should leave someone hanging for thirteen days. I know we don’t pay for a service, but the site makes money based on our efforts. Just a little respect would go a long way.

 

[iwatchus]

After thirteen days, I wave the white flag. I’ve withdrawn my submission. I might consider resubmitting it at some later point, but I can’t say that my motivation is very high. The experience has been pretty crap and has left a very bad taste in my mouth. I empathize with those who have been subjected to the same. No buisness should leave someone hanging for thirteen days. I know we don’t pay for a service, but the site makes money based on our efforts. Just a little respect would go a long way.

I don't get withdrawing it. Just leave it there and forget about it. I assume that whatever is going on will resolve somehow. I can imagine more being turned off from submitting another one. but I don't gt this reaction.

 

[FrancesScott]

I don't get withdrawing it. Just leave it there and forget about it. I assume that whatever is going on will resolve somehow. I can imagine more being turned off from submitting another one. but I don't gt this reaction.

I don’t need the stress. I have other options. And no one likes being treated like dirt. YMMV.

 

[onehitwanda]

I recently submitted a story of mine, Hearts Like Ours Pt. 01, in Lesbian Sex. Waited four-five days, nothing. I pulled it back, changed a few wordings, re-submitted. Waited two days, nothing, pulled it back again, changed a few more things (because I'm hopeless), and then resubmitted for a third time.

Got published in less than 24 hours.

Can't quite understand why. I figured that every time I pulled it back my slot in the queue should have been reset, but I guess that's not how it works?

1. You've posted seven stories since you started posting in January.
2. Each of them is highly rated in categories with readers who expect and demand
   1. high-quality writing
   2. a plot of some sort
3. Based on the skill of your writing you've most probably never had more than one of those works sent back, and even if so, it was for something minor like dialogue or spelling rather than content issues.
4. You're really, really fucking good at this.

So, my diagnosis: You're on the nice list. Don't fuck up.

 

[feel_the_beast]

Drop Laurel a PM with a polite reminder. You won’t get an answer, but hopefully things will start moving.

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. No response, but I didn't expect one. I see no point in cluttering up her inbox any more than it already is when I have no new info for her.

Wanda: 'Nice list'.
I have 10 published stores, almost all with very decent ratings, and all published within about 48 hrs. Only ever had one sent back, over an issue I explained, and then it was published unmodified. So I'm unaware of any reason any of my work would warrant extra scrutiny, or being ignored. I'm loathe to pull it from 'pending', since a few have reported their stories eventually did get published, after a long delay like mine, currently 33 days.

Is there such a thing as creating a new, duplicate submission, to test the waters sort of like SugarStorm? I sort of feel that an attempt at a workaround like that might piss off the admins, and then I would find myself on the 'naughty' list for real.

 

[onehitwanda]

Is there such a thing as creating a new, duplicate submission, to test the waters sort of like SugarStorm? I sort of feel that an attempt at a workaround like that might piss off the admins, and then I would find myself on the 'naughty' list for real.

I'm not brave enough to try that, I have to admit.

 

[leftwantingmore]

Please understand that I have never submitted anything for publication.
I have read the rules and guidelines for submitting stories for publication. I have read many threads addressing concerns in regards to the above issues. I understand the desire of the founders of this site to only publish quallity literary works. I applaud them.
I have also read many stories that do not conform to the rules and guidelines that I have read. I am only able to read these stories becaused they have been published.
I will say that I am anal when it comes to the stories I read. I find poor grammar, bad spelling, disconnected story lines, poor continuity and unrealistic violence an immense turn off. If I read thirty words into the story and I have not seen ANY puncuation marks. I stop reading. Too much incorrect grammar or word usage and I stop reading. I wonder why this story was even published. I can understand that editors may be in short supply. At the very least authors seeking publication should read their story many times. Self-proofreading should be high on an authors tasks before submitting. As a reader, having to edit a story as I read that story is not enjoyable or erotic. Erotic is the reason I am here. I am not here to edit and proofread while I try to become aroused. Having to figure out what the author is trying to say is a mood killer.

From a Google search.

'Proofreading is the final stage of writing, focusing on identifying and correcting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. It ensures the text is polished, clear, and ready for publication or submission. Proofreading is distinct from editing, which focuses on larger-scale revisions like content and organization.'

In my view, there seems to be inconsistent criteria applied to the submission process. However, I am not privy to the review process and I say that as an observation only.

I grew up in a home where reading outloud was done by all on a daily basis and from a young age. We learned to speak and write properly by reading outloud. Reading properly written literature outloud helped me to develope proper speaking and writing skills. When having a private converation with a member I sometimes take a little too long to respond because I am proofreading my response. I do the same when I post to a thread. I will often read a past post and should I find an error, I will then correct that error. Poor writing skills can lead the reader to misunderstanding what the writer intended to convey. When writing anything I do my utmost not to be misunderstood.
I was also taught to give only constructive criticism. I hope that anyone reading this post understands that.


In conclusion, my opinions as stated above are the reasons that I hesitate to submit a story for publication. I wonder how many potentially quality authors feel as I do.
A grammaticlly correct story is an easy read even if I do not enjoy the content. I should not have to work hard grammaticlly, to understand the content.
I spent well over an hour writing, readiing and correcting this post. If you should find any issues, please let me know.
Thank you, the reader, for giving your time adn effort to read this post.
Best Regards
Leftwantingmore

 

[EmilyMiller]

I wonder why this story was even published.

Which story are you talking about, hun?

 

[EmilyMiller]

FWIW I think it’s very sad when authors get so frustrated with the process that they give up. I’ve published over 130 stories here. It’s been bumpy at times, but I have persisted and will continue to do so. But things could be a lot easier. I do empathize with those who find it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Particularly those who are just starting out.

I’ll get comments saying, “It is what it is, deal with it!” But there is no real reason why things have to be as drawn out as they often appear to be. It’s a site for readers, not writers, I know. But it would be nice to have a bit more support for and communication with authors from the site. I don’t see how this would massively compromise their revenues.

 

[leftwantingmore]

Which story are you talking about, hun?

Hello Emily, thank you for your response.
Most of the stories I am talking about I did not read to completion. So I can not cite any specific stories. I am old and do not know how much reading time I have left. I do not want to waste my time rewriting stories in my head as I read them. I have not kept a list in the 17 months that I have been reading stories on Literotica. I basiclly proofread everything I read. I have to thank my mother for that. I am just expressing my frustration with the situation.

I will gladly start to compile a list if you or anyone else thinks it would be helpful to the people who review stories for publication. I am not sure how best to address this situation in a way that would be constructive to this community.

I am not sure if this is the proper place to voice my concerns but thought that it was relevant to this thread.
I have been reading since the age of 4. I have read thousands of stories in 68 years. A well written story paints a picture in my mind. A poorly constructed story also paints a picture in my mind. It is not a pretty picture.
Emily, Thank You for responding and for reading.

 

[ChuckWolf]

There are some long-time editors on this site, that I'm sure Laurel & Manu trust.

Perhaps, if they have time and interest, could take on some of their workload in reviewing stories and making sure they're acceptable for publication.

I know this'd be thankless, with probably no money involved and, for all I know, this is already happening.

 

[midnight_doctor_2]

I’m in the same boat, though realize that some stories are getting published.

I noticed however that the Literotica BlueSky page hasn’t been updated in five days. It’s normally every day or every other day.

Maybe the site is snowed under. Maybe there is a sickness plaguing Literotica Towers. But something appears to be different to normal.

Delete your story and resubmit it. It worked for me.

 

[EmilyMiller]

Emily, Thank You for responding and for reading.

I misunderstood, I thought you were referring to a specific story

 

[AwkwardMD]

Had a story pending for 60 days. Some of ya'll need to pump the brakes.

EDIT: this was after 2 rejections. It spent close to 3 months in pending but some of that was my fault.

 

[leftwantingmore]

I misunderstood, I thought you were referring to a specific story

My apologies, I will try harder not to be misunderstood in the future. Your advice, please. What should I do the next time I find what I am talking about? I ask because I am sure that I will.
Thank You in advance

 

[EmilyMiller]

What should I do the next time I find what I am talking about?

Close the story and look for another one.

 

[leftwantingmore]

Close the story and look for another one.

Well, that is what I have been doing since I started reading Lit stories.
I will carry on.
Thanks again

 

[EmilyMiller]

Well, that is what I have been doing since I started reading Lit stories.
I will carry on.
Thanks again

If the content breaches site rules, report it. But I doubt many published stories get pulled for grammar or punctuation issues.

 

[StillStunned]

Please understand that I have never submitted anything for publication.
I have read the rules and guidelines for submitting stories for publication. I have read many threads addressing concerns in regards to the above issues. I understand the desire of the founders of this site to only publish quallity literary works. I applaud them.
I have also read many stories that do not conform to the rules and guidelines that I have read. I am only able to read these stories becaused they have been published.

I'll just do a quick response to your post, because you raise quite a few questions.

First up: yes, it's annoying to read a story that's full of mistakes. Whether spelling and punctuation, grammar, logic, consistency, style or whatever: anything that distracts the reader from the story being told creates a risk that the reader will give up.

So as writers, if we want our reader to stick with us, we should do our best to present the story in the best possible format. Even so, it's impossible to rule out all mistakes. I have 25+ years' experience as a proofreader and copyeditor, and I still leave mistakes in my stories. It happens, it's no big deal. I like to think my stories are better than most, and certainly no worse than plenty of hardcopy novels I've bought and read.

But it's also important to be aware that some stories call for an idiosyncratic style, or that some writers use a different spelling. I've had comments about typos, only to find out that the reader was objecting to my UK spelling. You mention stories without punctuation after the first thirty words: fine, but how about a stream of consciousness, or a deliberately antiquated and convoluted style? Some writers set out to try new things, or they come from a culture with different expectations of the written word. They can still produce excellent writing.

Anyway, much as I'm sure the site would love to publish quality literary works, that's certainly not a requirement. Writers publish here at all levels of literary merit, from 750 words of "I saw my sister, she was naked, we fucked" to novel-length works that would have Salman Rushdie getting out his pen to take notes. It's all good. There are readers enough to go round, and they also range from "All I want to read about is cocks and tits" to critical appreciation of cadence, word choice, symbolism and story arcs.

If you want to publish something here, don't worry about it being perfect. Nothing is perfect in the eyes of its creator or harsh critics. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy writing it, and readers won't enjoy reading it, and you won't enjoy their appreciation.

It's easy to start writing. It's so much more difficult to finish writing and publish. But worrying about your story not being perfect should never be a reason for not finishing it.

Good luck!

 

[EmilyMiller]

to critical appreciation of cadence, word choice, symbolism and story arcs.

Cadence is such a pretty name for a girl. And can I do my clashing symbolism joke again ? Are the arcs regular goblins, or Uruk-hai?

 

[onehitwanda]

Cadence is such a pretty name for a girl. And can I do my clashing symbolism joke again ? Are the arcs regular goblins, or Uruk-hai?

sigh, we're off on a tangent again.