15.2 Submitting to Literary Magazines and Journals
4 min read•august 6, 2024
Submitting your work to literary magazines and journals is a crucial step in building your writing portfolio. This process involves carefully preparing your submission, crafting a compelling , and managing multiple submissions effectively.
Understanding and dealing with rejection are key aspects of the . Celebrate your acceptances, no matter how small, and use them as motivation to continue honing your craft and submitting your best work.
Submission Process
Preparing Your Submission
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- Review the for each or journal, which outline specific requirements for formatting, word count, and genres accepted
- Carefully proofread and edit your work to ensure it meets the publication's standards and aligns with their aesthetic preferences
- Select your best, most polished pieces that fit the magazine's style and theme to increase your chances of acceptance
- Consider submitting to magazines that have previously published works similar to your own, as they may be more likely to appreciate your writing style
Crafting a Cover Letter
- Write a professional, concise cover letter addressed to the appropriate editor, introducing yourself and the work you are submitting
- Include a brief bio highlighting your writing experience, previous publications, and any relevant awards or accolades
- Express your familiarity with and appreciation for the magazine, demonstrating that you have read and understand their content
- Keep the tone confident yet humble, focusing on the strengths of your writing without overselling yourself
Managing Submissions
- Decide whether to submit your work simultaneously to multiple publications or wait for a response from one before submitting to others
- Keep track of your to avoid any potential conflicts or misunderstandings with editors
- Withdraw your submission promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere, notifying all other publications to which you have submitted
- Be patient with response times, which can vary greatly depending on the publication and the volume of submissions they receive
Acceptance and Rejection
Understanding Acceptance Rates
- Recognize that acceptance rates for literary magazines and journals can be highly competitive, often ranging from 1-5% of total submissions
- Don't be discouraged by low acceptance rates; instead, focus on continually improving your craft and submitting your best work
- Consider submitting to a mix of highly selective and less competitive publications to increase your chances of acceptance while still aiming for prestigious placements
Dealing with Rejection
- Prepare yourself mentally for rejection, as it is a common experience for writers at all stages of their careers
- Understand that rejection slips are not necessarily a reflection of your writing ability, but rather an indication that your work may not have been the right fit for that particular publication
- Analyze tiered rejections, which may include personalized feedback or encouragement to submit again, as a sign that your work showed promise and to keep refining your craft
Celebrating Acceptances
- Rejoice in each acceptance, no matter how small, as a validation of your hard work and dedication to your writing
- Share your successes with your writing community, friends, and family, and take the time to celebrate your achievements
- Use acceptances as motivation to continue submitting your work and pushing yourself to grow as a writer
Publication Details
Understanding Publication Rights
- Familiarize yourself with the different types of publication rights, such as first North American serial rights, one-time rights, and exclusive rights
- Carefully review the contract or agreement provided by the publication upon acceptance, ensuring that you understand the terms and are comfortable with the rights you are granting
- Negotiate any terms that you are unsure about or uncomfortable with, seeking advice from more experienced writers or legal professionals if necessary
Navigating the Literary Journal Landscape
- Research the different tiers of literary journals, from highly prestigious, nationally recognized publications to smaller, regional or -specific journals
- Consider submitting to a variety of journals across different tiers to build your publication history and reach a wider audience
- Aim to gradually work your way up to higher-tier publications as you gain more experience and recognition for your writing
Choosing Between Online and Print Journals
- Weigh the benefits of online journals, such as faster response times, wider reach, and the potential for social media sharing, against the prestige and tangibility of print publications
- Consider the longevity and archival potential of each format, as well as the likelihood of your work being discovered by new readers
- Submit to a mix of online and print journals to take advantage of the unique benefits and audiences of each format
Key Terms to Review (21)
Acceptance rates: Acceptance rates refer to the percentage of submissions that literary magazines and journals accept for publication out of the total number of submissions received. This metric is crucial for writers as it helps them gauge their chances of getting published, influencing their submission strategies and choices in selecting appropriate publications for their work.
Call for submissions: A call for submissions is an announcement made by literary magazines, journals, or other publishing platforms inviting writers to submit their work for consideration for publication. This call often specifies the types of writing desired, such as poetry, short stories, or essays, along with submission guidelines and deadlines. Understanding these calls is crucial for writers aiming to get their work published, as they provide essential information about what editors are looking for and how to successfully submit their pieces.
Cover letter: A cover letter is a document sent along with a writing submission, typically to literary magazines or journals, that introduces the writer and their work while highlighting its relevance and appeal to the publication. This letter serves as a personal touch, helping editors understand the context of the submission and why it fits their specific guidelines or aesthetic. A well-crafted cover letter can make a significant difference in how the submission is perceived.
Digital rights: Digital rights refer to the legal and moral entitlements related to the use, creation, and distribution of digital content and technologies. This includes the rights of authors and creators to control how their work is used online, as well as the rights of users to access and share information freely. Digital rights are crucial in discussions about copyright, intellectual property, and the ethical implications of technology in the literary world.
Editorial process: The editorial process refers to the series of steps that a manuscript goes through after it is submitted to a literary magazine or journal, leading up to its publication. This process typically includes evaluation by editors, revisions by authors, copyediting, and final approval before the work is made public. Understanding this process is crucial for writers as it shapes how their work is presented and influences their chances of acceptance in the competitive world of literary publications.
Essay: An essay is a short piece of writing that expresses the author’s argument, perspective, or narrative on a specific topic. It can vary in style and purpose, ranging from personal reflections to academic analyses, and often includes structured elements such as an introduction, body, and conclusion. In the context of submitting to literary magazines and journals, essays provide writers an opportunity to showcase their voice and ideas to a wider audience.
Flash fiction: Flash fiction is a brief narrative work, typically under 1,000 words, that tells a complete story in a condensed format. This form challenges writers to convey rich themes, character development, and plot twists within a limited word count, often relying on brevity and precision. It is an exciting way to engage readers quickly and effectively, making it popular for submissions to literary magazines and journals.
Genre: Genre refers to a category or type of artistic work, including literature, that is characterized by specific conventions, styles, or themes. Understanding genre helps writers and readers identify the expectations and elements unique to different forms of writing, which can significantly influence how a piece is crafted and received within literary magazines and journals.
Judging panel: A judging panel is a group of individuals selected to evaluate and assess submitted works, such as poetry, fiction, or essays, in the context of literary magazines and journals. This panel typically consists of editors, literary experts, or authors who review submissions to determine which pieces meet the publication's standards and align with its vision. Their decisions can greatly influence a writer's career and the literary landscape.
Literary journal: A literary journal is a periodical publication that features creative writing, including poetry, short stories, essays, and sometimes artwork. These journals serve as a platform for both established and emerging writers to showcase their work, allowing them to reach a broader audience and engage with the literary community.
Literary magazine: A literary magazine is a publication that focuses on showcasing creative works, such as poetry, fiction, essays, and artwork, from both established and emerging writers. These magazines serve as a platform for authors to share their work with a wider audience while often emphasizing quality writing and innovative voices in literature. They play a crucial role in the literary community by providing opportunities for writers to gain recognition and for readers to discover new talents.
Online magazine: An online magazine is a digital publication that presents articles, stories, and other content primarily through the internet. These magazines can cover a wide range of topics and often include multimedia elements such as images, videos, and interactive features, enhancing reader engagement. Online magazines provide an accessible platform for writers to showcase their work and for readers to explore diverse content without the limitations of print media.
Ploughshares: Ploughshares refer to the metaphorical concept of transforming weapons or tools of war into instruments of peace and productivity. This term is often used in the context of creative writing to emphasize the importance of turning conflict, struggle, or negative experiences into something constructive, such as art or literature, especially when submitting works to literary magazines and journals.
Poem: A poem is a form of literary expression that utilizes rhythm, meter, and often rhyme to convey emotions, ideas, and imagery in a condensed format. It captures the essence of human experience and feelings through carefully chosen words, allowing for various interpretations and emotional connections from the reader. Poems can vary in structure, style, and length, ranging from traditional forms like sonnets to free verse.
Print run: A print run refers to the number of copies of a particular work, such as a book, magazine, or literary journal, that are printed in one batch. The size of a print run can vary significantly depending on factors like demand, budget, and the nature of the publication. Understanding print runs is essential for writers and publishers as it directly impacts distribution, sales potential, and the overall visibility of literary works.
Reading fee: A reading fee is a charge that some literary magazines and journals impose on writers who submit their work for consideration. This fee is intended to cover the costs associated with the editorial process, including reviewing submissions, editing, and sometimes even the publication costs. While it can help maintain the magazine's operations, it can also create a barrier for writers who may not have the financial resources to pay these fees.
Short story: A short story is a brief fictional narrative that typically focuses on a singular incident or character and aims to evoke a specific mood or theme. With a concise plot, limited characters, and often a twist or insight at the end, it offers readers a complete experience in a condensed format. This unique structure makes short stories popular for submissions to literary magazines and journals, where writers can showcase their creativity and storytelling skills.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions refer to the practice of sending the same piece of writing, such as a short story or poem, to multiple literary magazines or journals at the same time. This approach allows writers to maximize their chances of getting published, but it can also lead to ethical considerations if a piece is accepted by more than one publication simultaneously.
Submission guidelines: Submission guidelines are specific instructions provided by literary magazines and journals that outline how writers should submit their work for consideration. These guidelines often include details on formatting, word count limits, the type of work accepted, and any other requirements that authors must follow to have their submissions considered for publication. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for writers, as failing to do so can result in automatic rejection of their work.
Submission process: The submission process refers to the steps a writer takes to present their work, such as poems, stories, or essays, to literary magazines and journals for potential publication. This process is crucial for writers looking to share their work with a wider audience and often includes adhering to specific guidelines set by each publication, such as formatting requirements and submission methods. Understanding this process helps writers navigate the often competitive landscape of literary publishing.
The New Yorker: The New Yorker is a prestigious American magazine known for its in-depth reporting, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, and humor. Since its founding in 1925, it has established a reputation as a leading platform for both established and emerging writers, making it an important venue for literary submissions and showcasing a wide range of creative work.