Story verification times

I'm sure glad I did my 1 Year/100 Micros back in the olden days. I wouldn't dream of clogging up the pipes like that now, vanity be damned.

I have noticed several new writers who ask about the story approval timeframe in the chatroom and the forum. At times, they don't get a prompt answer. It is either because no one who knows is available to reply, especially in the chatroom, or they can't wait for someone to answer.

As a curious reader who doesn't write, I tried submitting a story to check if my suggestion may be useful. Don't worry, I recalled it immediately.

I would like to suggest that after (or before) the Publish button is clicked for submission, a note, link or popup message be added which sets the proper expectations to authors which may include:

-approval timeframe based on the different subscription tiers

-possible longer timeframe when there is an ongoing competition

-do at least a punctuation and spell check and proofreading to minimize story returns

-what happens if they recall a story or when a story is returned

-fast tracking and editorial support benefits of a premium subscription

This is aimed to promote awareness and management of expectations especially for excited, if not anxious, first time writers. Perhaps, even increase user satisfaction as I've noticed frustrations when they wait too long not knowing that it may take longer than they expected. Additionally, to minimize misinformation.

Quote by Mit

I have noticed several new writers who ask about the story approval timeframe in the chatroom and the forum. At times, they don't get a prompt answer. It is either because no one who knows is available to reply, especially in the chatroom, or they can't wait for someone to answer.

As a curious reader who doesn't write, I tried submitting a story to check if my suggestion may be useful. Don't worry, I recalled it immediately.

I would like to suggest that after (or before) the Publish button is clicked for submission, a note, link or popup message be added which sets the proper expectations to authors which may include:

-approval timeframe based on the different subscription tiers

-possible longer timeframe when there is an ongoing competition

-do at least a punctuation and spell check and proofreading to minimize story returns

-what happens if they recall a story or when a story is returned

-fast tracking and editorial support benefits of a premium subscription

This is aimed to promote awareness and management of expectations especially for excited, if not anxious, first time writers. Perhaps, even increase user satisfaction as I've noticed frustrations when they wait too long not knowing that it may take longer than they expected. Additionally, to minimize misinformation.

FYI, Jen recently updated her post on the first page of this thread to inform authors about wait times:

Update: Jan 2026.

Story wait times remain high nearly consistently now.

For premium members, expect to wait 1- 7 days

For non premium members, the wait may be up to 3 weeks at peak times.

Quote by techgoddess

FYI, Jen recently updated her post on the first page of this thread to inform authors about wait times:

Update: Jan 2026.

Story wait times remain high nearly consistently now.

For premium members, expect to wait 1- 7 days

For non premium members, the wait may be up to 3 weeks at peak times.

Thank you. I already edited a reply to a separate but related post.