Submit Your Story: Literary Magazine Submissions Guide
The first time I ever sent out a piece of my writing for literary magazine submissions, I was convinced it was a masterpiece. I’d spent months crafting this short story, agonizing over every word. I found what I thought was the perfect magazine, followed their guidelines to the letter (or so I believed), and hit send. Then… radio silence. Weeks turned into months. I eventually got a form rejection, the kind that feels like a polite brush-off. It stung. I see that same look of hopeful dread on writers’ faces all the time when we talk about literary magazine submissions. It’s a rite of passage, sure, but it doesn’t have to be a soul-crushing one. Let’s talk about how to actually get your work noticed, not just lost in the digital ether.
Featured Snippet Answer: Literary magazine submissions are the process of sending your original written work, like short stories, poems, or essays, to literary journals or magazines for potential publication. Success hinges on understanding submission guidelines, tailoring your work to the magazine’s focus, crafting a compelling cover letter, and persistent, strategic submission.
This isn’t about a secret handshake or a magic phrase. It’s about strategy, landscape, and treating your submission like the professional effort it’s. I’ve been doing this for over a decade, both as a writer submitting and as someone who’s seen thousands of submissions come through various platforms. I’ve made the mistakes, I’ve learned from others’ successes, and I can tell you this: generic submissions get generic results. If you want published, you need to get specific.
What Exactly Are Literary Magazine Submissions?
At its core, literary magazine submissions is the formal process where writers submit their creative work—think short stories, poems, essays, even creative nonfiction—to literary journals and magazines for consideration. These publications, ranging from small university presses to established national journals like The Paris Review or Ploughshares, are the primary gatekeepers for new and emerging literary voices. They curate collections of writing, and your job is to convince them your piece deserves a spot in their next issue. It’s a Key step for anyone looking to build a writing career.
The goal? To get accepted. To see your name in print (or on a reputable digital platform) alongside other writers you admire. It’s a validation, a stepping stone, and frankly, a huge ego boost. But let’s be clear: it’s competitive. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of submissions pour in for each slot. This means you can’t just ‘submit and forget.’ You have to be deliberate.
How Do I Find the Right Literary Magazines for My Work?
Here’s where most writers go wrong. They find one magazine, maybe one they’ve heard of, and blast their work out. Stop that. Seriously. Your first step in literary magazine submissions should be research, research, research. Think of it like dating. You wouldn’t propose on the first date, right? You find someone whose vibe matches yours. It’s the same with magazines. You need to find publications that publish work like yours.
So — where do you look?
- Literary Databases: Sites like Duotrope (subscription-based, but incredibly complete) and The Submission Grinder (free) are goldmines. They list thousands of magazines, their submission windows, pay rates, genres they accept, and even acceptance rates.
- Read the Magazines: Seriously, read them! If you’re submitting poetry, read several issues of the magazine you’re targeting. Do you like their aesthetic? Does your poem fit the style and tone? Don’t just skim. absorb it. I remember submitting to a journal that published very experimental fiction. My story was pretty traditional. It was a mismatch from the start, and the rejection confirmed it.
- Author Websites &. Social Media: See where writers you admire have been published. Check their websites or follow them on social media. They often share submission calls or their own experiences.
Real Talk: Don’t submit to a magazine that publishes only flash fiction if you have a 10,000-word short story. It’s a waste of your time and theirs. Look for magazines that In particular state they accept the genre and length you’re writing.
Crafting the Perfect Submission Package
Okay, you’ve found your target. Now, what do you actually send? It’s more than just your story or poem. It’s the whole package. Here’s where many writers fumble, thinking the writing alone will suffice. It won’t. Professionalism matters.
The Manuscript Itself
Formatting is king. Every reputable magazine will have specific formatting guidelines. Usually, this means:
- Standard 12-point font (Times New Roman is often preferred).
- Double-spaced text.
- Your name and contact info on the first page, often with the word count.
- Page numbers.
Don’t just copy-paste from your word processor. Go to the magazine’s website, find their submission guidelines page (usually linked clearly at the top or bottom), and follow them EXACTLY. Some want.doc files, others.docx, some even.rtf. Some prefer submissions through platforms like Submittable or Moksha. Ignoring these means your submission might not even be read.
The Cover Letter: Your First Impression
This isn’t the place to pour out your life story or explain why this publication means so much to you. Keep it brief, professional, and informative. A good cover letter for literary magazine submissions usually includes:
- Salutation: Address it to the specific editor if possible (e.g., ‘Dear Ms. Evans,’ or ‘Dear Fiction Editor,’). If no name is listed, use a general title.
- The Hook: Briefly state the title of your piece and its genre/word count (e.g., ‘I’m submitting my short story, “The Last Train Home,” a 4,500-word piece of literary fiction, for your consideration.’).
- A Tiny Bio: One or two sentences about yourself as a writer. Mention any significant publications or awards, but if you’re new, just state you’re a writer. Keep it concise. Example: ‘My work has previously appeared in [Smaller Publication Name] and I’m currently working on a novel.’
- Gratitude: Thank them for their time and consideration.
Expert Tip: If your story has been accepted elsewhere or is currently under consideration by another magazine, it’s Key to mention that. This shows you’re actively submitting and provides context. For example: ‘This story is also being considered at [Another Magazine Name].’
What NOT to Do with Your Cover Letter
I’ve seen it all. Writers declaring their undying love for the magazine, rambling about their personal struggles that inspired the piece, or asking if the editor has read their blog. Save it. This is a business transaction. Be polite, be professional, and be brief.
🎬 Related Video
📹 How to Submit to Literary Magazines: Interview w/the Editor-in-Chief &. Managing Editor of THE COMMON — Watch on YouTube
Navigating Submission Managers and Platforms
Most literary magazines today use online submission platforms. Submittable is by far the most common. Think of it as the central hub for literary magazine submissions. You’ll create a profile, upload your work and cover letter, and submit. It’s generally straightforward, but here’s what to watch out for:
- Fees: Some magazines charge submission fees. While I personally dislike them (why should writers pay to be considered?), they’re common. If a fee is too high or you can’t afford it, look for one of the many journals that offer free submissions during specific reading periods.
- Reading Periods: Many magazines are only open for submissions during specific times of the year. Missing these means your work won’t be seen. Mark these dates in your calendar!
- Response Times: Platforms often give an estimated response time. ‘4-6 months’ is standard. Be patient. Don’t query before the stated response time has passed. It’s incredibly annoying for editors and shows you don’t respect their process.
Important Note: Submittable is a tool, not a guarantee. Your submission goes into a queue. The platform just manages the flow. The quality of your writing and your adherence to guidelines are what truly matter.
The Art of Patience and Persistence
This is, hands down, the hardest part of literary magazine submissions for most writers. You send your work out, and then you wait. And wait. And wait some more. And then you get rejected. Or you get silence. It’s easy to get discouraged. I’ve seen writers give up after just a few rejections, convinced they’re not good enough.
Here’s the truth: rejections are part of the process. Every published author you admire has faced them. Many have faced hundreds. Consider this a data point, not a verdict. Was the magazine a good fit? Did you follow the guidelines? If yes, then the rejection likely says more about the slush pile’s volume or the editor’s specific taste at that moment than about your talent.
Blockquote Stat: According to data compiled by The Submission Grinder, the acceptance rate for many top-tier literary magazines can be as low as 0.1% to 0.5%. This highlights the sheer volume of submissions they receive. (Source: The Submission Grinder)
My advice? Submit in batches. Send your work to 5-10 magazines at a time, making sure each submission is tailored. While you’re waiting for responses, work on new pieces. Write more. Read more. Polish what you have. Persistence isn’t just about sending the same thing over and over. it’s about continuous creation and strategic submission.
Should I Enter Writing Contests?
Literary magazine submissions often go hand-in-hand with writing contests. Many magazines host their own contests, often with cash prizes and guaranteed publication for winners and finalists. These can be a great way to get noticed, especially if you have a standout piece.
Pros and Cons of Writing Contests:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed consideration by editors. | Often have higher submission fees. |
| Potential for significant prizes and publication. | Can be highly competitive, with many entries. |
| A clear deadline can force you to finish and polish a piece. | Sometimes judges’ tastes are very specific, leading to subjective results. |
| Finalists or honorable mentions can still lead to publication offers. | You might be paying for feedback that isn’t especially insightful. |
My take? Enter contests strategically. If it’s a contest run by a magazine whose aesthetic you love and you feel your work is a strong fit, go for it. But don’t view contests as the only path. They’re one tool in the toolbox for literary magazine submissions.
What Happens After Acceptance?
Ah, the dream! You get that coveted acceptance email. It’s a fantastic feeling. But the process isn’t quite over. You’ll likely enter into a contract with the magazine. Pay attention to the rights they’re asking for. Most reputable magazines ask for First North American Serial Rights (FNASR), meaning they get the right to publish your work first in North America. After publication, those rights revert back to you. Make sure you understand this! Some predatory places might try to ask for ‘all rights,’ which means you give away control of your work forever. Don’t agree to that unless you’re getting paid very handsomely and understand the implications.
You’ll also work with an editor on revisions, proofreading, and final layout. It’s a collaboration. Embrace the feedback. it’s how you grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
what’s the easiest way to get published in a literary magazine?
The easiest way isn’t about finding a ‘less competitive’ magazine, but about submitting work that perfectly matches a magazine’s aesthetic and needs. Rigorous research into target publications and meticulous adherence to their submission guidelines are key to increasing your chances.
How long does it take to hear back from literary magazine submissions?
Response times vary greatly, typically ranging from a few weeks to over a year. Most magazines state their expected response time in their submission guidelines, often between 4-12 months. Patience is Key during the literary magazine submission process.
Can I submit the same story to multiple literary magazines?
Simultaneous submissions (sending the same work to multiple magazines at once) are generally accepted by most literary magazines, but you MUST notify them immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. Never submit the same piece to more than one magazine if they In particular state “no simultaneous submissions.”
What should I include in my literary magazine submission cover letter?
A concise cover letter for literary magazine submissions should include your name, the title and genre of your work, its word count, a brief (1-2 sentence) author bio highlighting relevant credentials, and a polite thank you. Avoid lengthy personal anecdotes.
Do I need to pay to submit to literary magazines?
Many literary magazines charge submission fees to help cover operational costs. However, numerous journals offer free submission periods or are entirely free to submit to. Look for these opportunities if fees are a barrier, but always check their specific submission guidelines.
Your Next Step in Literary Magazine Submissions
Look, getting your work into literary magazines is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, resilience, and a whole lot of strategic effort. But when that acceptance email lands in your inbox? It’s a feeling like no other. Start by picking one magazine you genuinely admire and spend an hour researching its past issues and submission guidelines. Then, polish one of your best pieces In particular for that journal. Send it out, and then get to work on the next one. You’ve got this.
