Literary journals are an attractive outlet for creative writers who long to see their work in print. While literary journals are traditionally not financially profitable for writers, the exposure and prestige that goes along with publication more than makes up for any lack of monetary compensation. Having one’s work published in an established journal is not only an ego boost but it can also help a writer gain an audience, setting the stage for a solid career. The submissions process is extremely competitive and the vast majority of submissions will end up in the slush pile. There are, however, a few things a good writer can do to increase their chances of avoiding a rejection slip.
Read
A good writer is also a good reader and the more widely read an individual is, the more they understand how to construct a solid story. Writers often learn by example and by reading authors who’ve achieved publishing success, they are building on their knowledge of the writing craft. Reading enables a writer to learn the difference between good writing and bad writing, between what works and what doesn’t. It allows them to add to their own writing toolbox, which will only help them to excel at their craft.
Know the Guidelines
Every journal has a particular set of guidelines regarding the submissions process. They have specifications regarding formatting, style, simultaneous submissions, online submissions, print submissions, SASE, etc. Some journals only accept submissions at certain times during the year or they may only accept submissions based on a particular theme. It’s important to be familiar with what a journal’s expectations before sending them any work. While ultimately, editors are looking for good writing, it may be difficult to find if it’s overshadowed by sloppy formatting.
Read, Part II
Beyond knowing what a journal’s submission guidelines are, it’s important to know exactly what kind of work they publish. Before submitting to any journal, a writer must first take the time to read what’s between its pages in order to avoid sending work that is not a good fit from the editor’s perspective. A piece may be excellent but if it doesn’t fit in with the overall tone of what the journal already publishes, it may be still be rejected.
Be Professional
Most journals require some sort of cover letter or author’s bio along with the work that’s being submitted. The best approach is to keep it short and sweet, listing any prior publication credits and offering minimal background information. Some writers are tempted to try to stand out by offering irrelevant information or using clichéd tactics to try to get themselves noticed. Again, editors are looking for good writing first, and using gimmicks to try get attention may only backfire.
Learn From Rejection
Every writer experiences rejection at some point. It’s an inevitable fact of the writing life. Rejection can be a tool, however, if the writer is willing to learn from it. While criticism is difficult to hear, it’s often necessary if a writer hopes to improve their writing.
Be Persistent
The road to publication can be long and frustrating, and is often littered with rejection slips. The key to finding success is to not be deterred by rejection and to learn how to navigate the submissions process. The only writers who ever succeed are the ones who continue to write and submit their work. Good writing coupled with persistence is a guaranteed recipe for success.
Writing for publication can be extremely rewarding if a writer is determined. By knowing what the submissions process involves and working at their craft, they are ultimately more likely to achieve their writing goals.
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