September 2024 - Speaker Report

 The How-to’s of Submitting to Literary Journals 

 There are many reasons to submit and get published in literary journals, according to writer David Harris. It provides recognition and validation of your work, builds your credibility as a writer, helps establish relationships with other writers, makes you a better writer by upping your game, and builds muscle memory to overcome rejection. With more than 5,000 potential publications to aim for, however, it’s important to do your homework before submitting your work. 

 Many websites exist to help writers find the best venues for their work and increase the odds of having it accepted. Sites like litmagnews.substack.com, submittable.com, duotrope.com, chillsubs.com, and erikakrousewriter.com all offer extensive information about what various publications look for in submissions. Harris suggested writers use these sites to compile a list of 20-30 potential journals to submit to, considering factors like acceptance rates, the journal’s mission, and how often they publish. Take a good look at the journal’s editors and read their bios, Harris said, and be wary if that information isn’t readily available. “If you can’t see under the covers, you may want to avoid it.”  

 It's very important to pay attention to the submission guidelines, which will vary for each journal. “Take the word counts and formatting requirements seriously,” Harris said.“They’re looking for excuses to kick you out of the hopper.” He also suggested writers keep track of their submissions with a spreadsheet or other tracking method. Some sites, like duotrope.com, offer tracking systems, but whatever system you use it should be one you feel comfortable with and will actually use. 

 More than anything, Harris said, writers should prepare for rejections and not be discouraged by them. Keep submitting your work, even to journals that have rejected you in the past. Editors like to see writers who keep trying and many even keep records of writers whose work resonates with them. “Aim for 100 rejections a year,” Harris said. “Like searching for a job, it’s a numbers game.”