Writers from all different backgrounds are all in different stages in their writing careers. Me? I’m currently working on my first book and trying to send out my work for publication. The latter I’ve been doing for a few years now, while the former is the newest goal in my life.
However, I know people who are just learning how to send out their work for publication or just learning how to properly edit and workshop their ideas. And whatever stage you’re at is perfectly okay! We all go at our own paces. When I was working on submitting for publication, I was lost without the help of those more experienced than I was, but because of them, I’ve learned so much that I’m determined to help others who want to publish but don’t know how to start.
Here’s some tips and tricks to getting started with the publication process!
Find a Magazine or Journal
This is one of the easier parts I believe of the process. There are so many websites out there that have writing contests or have lists of journals and literary magazines to choose from. Pick one that interests you and study up on it. Some questions to think about are:
What kind of works make it into this magazine?
What are some similarities between your work and the ones already published?
When are their submissions open? For how long?
What are their submission guidelines?
Is there a fee?
Do they pay their contributors?
Who’s on the masthead?
These questions are very important, especially the first four. You need to know what the magazine tends to gravitate towards in order to plan your submission. The websites of these magazines and journals will have most of this information right off the bat, if not all of it. Sometimes some digging is required.
But, where do you find these journals in the first place? Maybe websites with lists also act as submission managers, so they track where you submit and the result of that submission. The two most popular are Duotrope (which is a paid membership) and Submittable (which is free for all). There is also the Poets and Writers website, and New Pages as well. A quick Google search for writing contests or open submissions can open up a whole world of possibilities too.
Preparing a Packet
Once you’ve pinpointed some magazines and journals you want to submit to, start preparing your submission packet. The packet will contain the edited work you wish to submit for publication. If it’s poems that you’re sending in, they should follow the requirements that the magazine has on the website, so pay attention to amount of poems, length, line amount, style, topic, etc. For works of creative nonfiction and fiction, be wary of word count, length, and topic.
Make sure these are very well edited and revised; they are looking for the best you have to offer. Nothing else should go into the document except for the piece(s) you’re submitting. Once you’re done editing the pieces and have them compiled into a .doc or .docx file, you’re ready to start submitting!
Submit, submit, submit!
Start sending your pieces out! Keep track of which pieces went where during your submission process. Make sure that when you’re submitting, if you’re submitting the same piece to multiple different places, to tell the magazine or journal that it’s a simultaneous submission. This means that it’s at different magazines being considered as well. If that piece gets accepted elsewhere, it’s your responsibility to inform the other magazines that you are withdrawing that piece from review.
If it comes back with a rejection, don’t be discouraged. Even the best writers still get rejected. As my mentor would say, “Keep playing tennis. Keep sending it out as much as you can.” One day that piece or pieces will get accepted; you just have to keep trying and keep submitting.
While you’re submitting, also keep in mind that you’ll need to write a mini cover letter. The cover letter serves as an introduction to your pieces so the editor will know what they’re about to read and a little bit about you.
Here’s an example of a cover letter structure:
Dear editor (preferably, look up the name of the editor for the section you’re submitting to. i.e. poetry, nonfiction, fiction, other),
Please consider the pieces “X”, “Y”, and “Z” for publication in Publication Name Magazine. (Here include any extra info like trigger warnings or anything of the sort.)
Include a short third person bio about yourself. This can have who you are, what publications you have under your belt, or something fun but don’t go overboard.
Thank you for your considering my work for publication.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Email
Final Notes
I hope that when you’re submitting your work and you’re ready to find that place in the world for your work that you enjoy the process and don’t let it get you down when you’re rejected.
I’ve been doing this for a few years now, and I have over 30 rejections and only 3 acceptances. Keep working on it; this endeavor is not fruitless if this is what you want.
Your work deserves to be appreciated and loved by all, just as much as you love it.
Mae Fraser @maeflowerreads
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