Late response to submission

[Xenia]

I submitted some work to a zine that states they will respond in 4 weeks. I received an aknowledgement of my submission and a suggestion to query if I hadn't heard back in 4 weeks. Well after 6 weeks I sent a query for a response and after 2 more weeks I have still have not heard anything! Of course like many poetry publishers they don't want you to submit simultaneously and they want several different works in your submission. I feel like submitting elsewhere but wonder if I should give it more time... what are you opinions? I feel like my work is being held hostage!!!!

[Tamera]

Since they say they will respond in four weeks, I would say that you are free to send submissions out anytime after that.

[Xenia]

That was kinda my thinking on the subject too...

[Knight of Christ]

If they havent responded by now I don't think that they are going to.

I'd move on

[KO'Leary]

It has been my experience that sometimes editors get delayed because of reasons that are understandable--like family crisises. If you want to submit your poems elsewhere, I would send a note saying that you have not heard from them and plan to seek publication elsewhere. That way things are clear. Otherwise, they may decide to publish, and you risk burning bridges.

Karen

[Keith Wallis]

I'd agree with Karen. At least that gives the editor the benefit of the doubt - I suspect overgenerously but that's just the cynic in me creeping out.