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What's the best way for new writers to submit their work to literary magazines?

Claud Tapley

As a seasoned user of several different social media platforms, I can say with confidence that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, fear not, my fellow writers! I have a few suggestions that may just help you out when submitting your work to literary magazines.

First things first, you need to do your research. This means finding literary magazines that are accepting submissions, reading their submission guidelines, and ensuring that your work fits within their specific genre or theme. I know, I know, doing research is about as exciting as watching paint dry, but trust me when I say that it will save you a lot of time and heartache in the long run.

Now, on to the fun stuff - formatting! Yes, I said fun stuff. Hear me out. Many literary magazines have very specific formatting guidelines, and not adhering to them can get your submission tossed in the trash faster than you can say "I spent three weeks writing this." These guidelines can include anything from font and spacing to what information should be included at the top of the page (spoiler alert: it’s usually your name, the title of your piece, and the word count). Take the time to ensure that your formatting is on point and you'll be much more likely to make it past the initial screening process.

Once you've done your research and formatted your work properly, it's time to submit! And this is where things can get a little tricky. Different literary magazines have different submission processes. Some might require you to submit through their website, while others might only accept submissions via email (and even then, they might have specific guidelines about what to put in the subject line or where to send your submission). My advice? Read the submission guidelines carefully and follow them to the letter. Again, doing your research will pay off in the end.

One other thing to keep in mind is that many literary magazines have submission fees. Yes, this can be a bummer, but it's also a way for these magazines to keep the lights on and pay their writers. If you're strapped for cash, don't worry - there are plenty of free submission opportunities out there. Just keep in mind that the competition might be a little tougher.

Finally, don't get discouraged if your submission gets rejected. Rejection is just a part of the writing game. The important thing is to keep writing, keep submitting, and keep improving your craft. And who knows? Maybe your next submission will be the one that gets accepted.

So there you have it! My best advice for new writers looking to submit their work to literary magazines. Do your research, format your work properly, follow submission guidelines to the letter, and don't get discouraged. And always, always, always keep writing. Happy submitting!