Gain Writing Exposure: Why and How to Submit your Work
Obtaining exposure to the masses is one of the most daunting tasks for writers. With millions of books and thousands of authors, it can seem overwhelming when it comes to introducing your voice to the literary world. As a writer, it is important to build your professional portfolio to assist you with this task. Even if you're not ready to take the plunge with becoming a full-fledged published author/poet, there are still ways that you can gain experience while exposing your work to readers.
To provide helpful advice, Untamed Publishing is proud to have guest blogger, Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Be{Cause} Poetry, Kiana Donae.
Hey everyone. It's Kiana Donae, the Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Be{Cause} Poetry. A new poetry journal that is dedicated to publishing new and emerging talent in the poetry world.
I'm here to talk about why it's important to submit to literary journals and magazines as a writer. Many writers and poets can gain the attention of agents, editors, and publishing houses by submitting to journals and magazines. While submitting can feel daunting or unnecessary it actually helps you to build a solid curriculum vitae of your writing work and experience. Experience that lets those agents and editors know that you take your craft seriously and are constantly working toward writing your best material.
So I want to give you a few tips on how to go about submitting.
Submit your best work- Of course it goes without saying, checking your work for grammar and misspellings. But it also goes a long way to allow your work to rest for a few weeks and coming back with fresh eyes to reread to determine if this is really your best work. Put your best foot forward, because the editors are sent hundreds of submissions and only the best will jump out at them and say "choose me" I'm publish worthy!
Follow the Guidelines- There's nothing worse for an editor than when they receive private messages or DM's with submissions when they've clearly outlined how to submit to their publications. It's not only rude, but it shows that you don't value the time of that editor or that journal.
Keep track of your Submissions- Obviously you want to be able to go back and find out where you've submitted, which journals have accepted or rejected you, and the dates. But this also can help determine, if you've submitted simultaneously, which journal to notify if you're accepted to another journal for the same piece. This is also information you will need should you ever submit the work in the future for publication again or self-publish your own book, so that you can give previous published information. Make a spreadsheet or a file with the name of the journal/magazine, the Issue #, the date published, and the title of your piece(s).
Don't ignore online Journals- More and more today, online journals and magazines are publishing high-quality work. Of course seeing your work in print is awesome. But online journals provide many benefits as well, like being easily accessible for friends and family, helpful in building a network or platform, and instant gratification in the form of likes and comments.
Don't take rejection Personal- The best poems and stories will get rejected. Alice Walker, J.K. Rowling, and even Dr. Seuss were rejected before becoming best selling authors. It's going to happen, the dreaded rejection. Don't let it get you down.
Thank the Editor- When you do get the acceptance. Don't forget to thank the editor. Most editors are unpaid or paid very little for their work and efforts. They have a commitment to preserving the art. So say thank you when you receive acceptance and it's also best to say thank you again once you are published. Thank you goes a long way in letting them know their efforts are appreciated.
Now you are armed with the best tips on submitting your next poem or story. So get your best pieces together and get out there and start submitting your words. I hope this has helped you. Remember, if you're a poet, Be{Cause} Poetry is accepting open submissions for blog features. We look forward to reading some new poems in our inbox soon!
Kiana Donae is a two-time published poet and Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Be{Cause} Poetry online e-zine. For more information about Be{Cause} Poetry, please see their featured blog on our website.
Submitting to literary journals and magazines can assist you with establishing yourself, developing a rapport with reputable literary publications and other authors, and of course exposing your work to readers. Remember, invest in U and your readers will too!
Until next time...
Untamably Yours,
Untamed Publishing
