Where to Submit Writing: A Guide for Writers

Introduction

For writers, submitting work for publication can be daunting. The process of finding a publication to submit to and understanding the submission guidelines can be overwhelming. This article aims to provide writers with a comprehensive guide to help them find publications to submit work and increase their chances of success in getting published.

Create a Guide to Literary Journals and Magazines

The first step in submitting writing is to research literary journals and magazines. Knowing which publications accept submissions and what their guidelines are is essential for successful submissions. Here are some tips for researching literary journals:

• Check out online databases: There are many free online databases that list literary journals and magazines, such as Duotrope, New Pages, and Poets & Writers. These databases are great resources for finding publications that accept submissions.
• Read sample issues: Reading samples of published works in a journal is a great way to get an idea of the type of writing they accept. It also helps to familiarize yourself with the style and tone of the publication.
• Follow social media accounts: Most literary journals and magazines have social media accounts where they post updates about new issues, upcoming deadlines, and other relevant information. Following these accounts is a great way to stay up-to-date on what publications are accepting submissions.

Another important factor to consider when researching literary journals is the target audience of the publication. Understanding who the readers are and what kind of writing they are looking for will help you determine if your work is a good fit for the publication.

Once you’ve gathered some information about a potential publication, it’s important to read through the submission guidelines carefully. Different publications have different requirements for submissions, so make sure you understand and follow all instructions before submitting your work.

Focus on Specific Genres or Topics

When submitting writing, it’s helpful to focus on specific genres or topics. Identifying genres or topics that fit your writing will help you narrow down the list of publications to submit to. For example, if you write poetry, you can search for literary journals and magazines that specialize in publishing poetry.

It’s also important to research publications that are open to diverse voices. Many publications are now actively seeking out writers from underrepresented backgrounds and are interested in stories that explore themes related to identity, culture, and social justice. Seeking out these publications can be a great way to showcase your work and connect with other writers.

Provide Tips for Writers Submitting Work

Once you’ve identified a few publications to submit to, it’s important to craft quality cover letters and create strong portfolios. Researching submission guidelines and following all instructions is key to making a good impression on editors. Make sure to proofread your work and double-check that you’ve included all required materials.

In addition to submitting quality work, networking with editors is also beneficial. Reaching out to editors directly can give you an inside look at the publication and help you understand what they are looking for. You can even ask questions about the submission process and get feedback on your work.

Interview Editors of Publications

Interviews with editors of publications can be a great way to learn more about the publications themselves. During an interview, you can ask questions about the publication’s mission, editorial process, acceptance rate, and other topics. This can help you gain insight into the publication and decide if it’s the right fit for your work.

Here are some questions you can ask during an editor interview:

• What is the publication’s mission?
• Who is the target audience?
• What types of writing does the publication accept?
• What is the submission process like?
• What is the acceptance rate?

Compare Different Submission Platforms

In addition to submitting to individual publications, writers can also use online submission platforms to submit their work. Online submission platforms offer a convenient way to submit work to multiple publications at once. However, there are some drawbacks to using these platforms, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding which platform to use.

When comparing different submission platforms, there are several criteria to consider, including cost, number of publications available, ease of use, customer service, and more. Taking the time to review each platform’s features and determine which one best suits your needs is essential for successful submissions.

Highlight Success Stories of Published Writers

Finally, it’s helpful to read about other writers’ experiences with submitting work. Learning from the successes and failures of other writers can provide valuable insights into the submission process. There are many websites and blogs dedicated to sharing stories of writers who have been successful in submitting work, so take the time to read these stories and see what tips you can apply to your own submission process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, submitting writing can be a daunting process, but with the right guidance and resources, it doesn’t have to be. By researching literary journals, focusing on specific genres or topics, providing tips for submitting work, interviewing editors, comparing different submission platforms, and highlighting success stories of published writers, writers can increase their chances of success in getting published.