Finding Journals:
A quick thought. As a budding writer, it may not be advisable to immediately start submitting to the likes of The New York Times or The Paris Review. This is not to discourage you from dreaming big, but rather to encourage taking calculated risks early in your journey.It is unlikely (not impossible, though) for an unknown writer to have their work accepted immediately by famous, big-name publications.Thus, a more effective use of your efforts would be to start with smaller, independent journals that cater to your work as a beginner, then aim higher as you grow your confidence and improve your writing. You can seek out journals that are open to emerging voices. Many of these journals are actively looking for new writers.With that out of the way, the next step is to learn how to locate these journals.A lot of writing communities always share these opportunities, so joining such communities either in person or online would be a helpful way to begin.Another excellent way to find journals is through social media; therefore, it is recommended to follow the social media accounts of potential journals. This not only provides a good method to discover submission opportunities but also helps to learn more about writing.Finally, be intentional about where you submit. Ensure the journal suits your work well. Reading a few articles published by the journal is a good way to see if your writing matches their style and current themes. Avoid submitting work that doesn't align with what the journal requests. Sticking to the outlined theme makes a significant difference.…and this takes me to my next point.Adhere to Guidelines:
Adhering to the rules shows professionalism and significantly improves your chances of acceptance. As mentioned earlier, you must stick to the proposed theme by the journal and follow the journal’s guidelines as precisely as possible.Different journals have different submission requirements in terms of formatting, word count limits and submission fees, among others.Editors are more inclined to take a writer seriously when it is clear they have read the instructions and engaged with the journal.While submitting early does not guarantee acceptance, it can work in your favour. Journals tend to close early once they reach capacity before the official deadline.Also, respect the process. Do not send emails enquiring about the state of your submission, as this may seem like a nuisance to the editors, even though you may mean well. Take note of the given response time and only reach out when necessary.In general, do your best to follow the instructions of the journal to have a better chance of being accepted.Multiple and Simultaneous submissions:
Multiple Submissions refer to sending more than one piece to the same journal, often across different categories. Some journals allow this, but most do not encourage it.Simultaneous submissions refer to sending the same piece to a number of journals. While some journals are good with this, others require exclusivity, which means you will need to wait for a response before submitting the piece elsewhere.If the journal you are submitting to allows simultaneous submissions, feel free to submit the same work to other places, but make sure you withdraw your piece when it gets accepted by another journal. Remember to use their preferred medium to avoid crippling your chances with future submissions.To reiterate, it is very important to read the guidelines carefully, so you can note the demands of the journal you are submitting to.Writing Cover Letters:
Your cover letter should briefly introduce who you are and your work. If your entry is being considered elsewhere, this is the place to mention it. Make sure you have the correct names of editors and journals. Nothing creates a worse first impression than getting the name or spelling of the journal wrong. Keep your letter concise. Introduce the piece, include a short bio (often in third person), and note any previous publications, prizes, or awards that help establish your credibility.Handling Rejections:
The most important thing to note about having your work rejected is this: do not take it personally.Most of the time, it has nothing to do with the quality of your work. There are several reasons why a piece may have been rejected. Consider these: the journal may have published something similar recently, your piece might not align with the issue's current theme, or your piece just did not get the reading it deserved.At the same time, it’s best to stay humble. Sometimes, a piece is rejected because it is just not ready. If that might be the case, do not panic. Simply put your work away for a few weeks, then come back to it with fresh eyes. Does it need more work?Be honest, and do the work. Is it looking good? Trust yourself, and submit it elsewhere.Also, you should always have a backup plan in place. Keep a shortlist of a number of journals where you would love to send your piece.As soon as a rejection comes, prepare your work for the next journal on the list. You must always have the courage to keep writing after rejection because, as a writer, rejections will keep coming from unexpected places.Consider reading the piece below about rejections.Alpha’s NewsletterDear Young Creative, Rejection Is Not The End of The Road· Boakye D. AlphaLast words:
Most literary journals are run by small, overworked teams, and anything that makes your submission easier to engage with will be highly considered.Editors often sift through hundreds of submissions and are constantly looking for reasons to say no to your submission, to make their work easier.Submissions that usually get a close reading are the most organised pieces, not necessarily the most brilliant ones.Fortunately, what most editors love more than turning down pieces to ease their work is paving the way for writers and their written pieces to thrive.Your primary goal is to grant them all the reasons to consider your work for publication.Professionalism, clarity, and attention to detail go a long way in getting your work noticed.Keep writing.Each piece you write will be a step in the right direction of improving your craft.Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.