fingers crossed
As for my rejection letters, I showed them a warm one (the editors liked my story but couldn't use it), a cold one (the infamous "xenophobia" letter), and an example of the much-loathed form letter ("We will not be using this piece. You are free to submit it elsewhere.") I told them how I always prefer a warm or cold rejection because it’s personal, and that form letters are the least helpful, as they offer no suggestions for improvement.
But now there's another variety of response circulating out there, and I've already received two this month: the "wait a little bit, and we'll see" letter. Allegory Magazine found my submission "very entertaining" and said it would either be published in their next issue or would receive an honorable mention. I'm pulling for Option #1. Electric Spec received my submission, but instead of rejecting it outright, they've decided to hold it until May when the editors will vote on which stories to include in that month's issue.
Until then, I must wait. And write.