Under the Gum Tree

CNF Rejections

Standard

2018

Thank you for sending us "xxx." We appreciate the chance to read it, and recognize that submitting a piece of creative nonfiction is an act of bravery. While this piece is not for us, we hope this will not discourage you from continuing to write and submit. We wish you the best in your writing.

Tiered

2026

Thank you for submitting "xxx." We recognize that submitting a piece of creative nonfiction is an act of bravery, and appreciate the chance to read it. We are all writers here on the staff—writers who have submitted our work and not often enough received the response we were hoping for—and it is in that spirit that we are sending you this note today.

We are declining your piece for Under the Gum Tree at this time, which means it isn't quite what we're looking for. However, there are many things we liked about your piece, and we would be very grateful if you would consider us for another submission in the future. If you use Duotrope or another online submission tracking database, we would appreciate it if you update your entry to reflect this decision. It helps to ensure the data is as accurate as possible for other writers like you.

Please accept this note along with our best wishes for your health and happiness.

Sincerely,

Dear _____,

Thank you for submitting "__________" Every once in a while we receive a piece that undergoes special treatment in our queue--inspiring extra conversation among the editorial staff. That happened with this piece. At this time, however, we are not going to accept it for Under the Gum Tree, but we would love to read something from you in the future and hope you will submit again. If you use Duotrope or another online submission tracking database, we would appreciate it if you update your entry to reflect this decision. It helps to ensure the data is as accurate as possible for other writers like you.

Sincerely,

DorothyRice

under the gum tree