Last year I submitted a story to an online magazine and was told via email it would be featured in the summer 2011 issue in June. I did not receive a contract, but I received two emails confirming the intended use of my story. The magazine was having troubles I guess, and there was no June issue. However, recently they released a summer issue. I purchased a copy of it, and found that my story was not featured.
I think the magazine is having troubles, like I said. I also don't think they are holding my story for a future issue, unless for next summer, since it is a very summer-specific topic.
What if I send the following email? I want to be professional and understanding. However if they are not using my story, I'd like to re-submit:
"Dear __:
I am writing to check on the status of my story ____. Our email communications in January 2011 indicated the story would appear in your summer 2011 issue, but I notice it was not included. I would so appreciate an update on whether you plan to use the story in a future issue. If you do not plan to use it, please let me know that I can submit it elsewhere. I look forward to hearing from you by December 1, 2011; otherwise I will consider it confirmation that you decline to use the story and that I can submit elsewhere, and that it will not appear in a future issue of your magazine."
I feel like it sounds rude, but if I end up submitting it elsewhere I want to make sure my bases are covered in terms of this publication not using it.
Thanks!