For many aspiring authors, publishing fiction in literary journals serves as a crucial stepping stone, offering validation, building a writing resume, and connecting with a community of readers and editors. The process to submit fiction to literary journals can seem daunting, but with careful preparation and a strategic approach, it becomes a rewarding endeavor. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and actionable steps needed to navigate the submission landscape effectively.
Preparing Your Manuscript for Submission
Before you even consider where to submit fiction to literary journals, your manuscript must be polished to perfection. Editors receive countless submissions, and a well-prepared piece stands out.
Refining Your Work
Editing and Proofreading are paramount. Read your story multiple times, looking for plot holes, character inconsistencies, and awkward phrasing. After self-editing, seek feedback from trusted critique partners or beta readers. Finally, conduct a thorough proofread for typos, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes. A pristine manuscript shows respect for the editor’s time and your own craft.
Formatting Guidelines
Adhering to standard manuscript format is crucial when you submit fiction. While specific journals may have unique requirements, a general standard includes:
Double-spacing throughout.
A readable font, typically 12-point Times New Roman or Courier.
One-inch margins on all sides.
Page numbers in the header, often with your last name and story title.
Your contact information (name, address, email, phone) in the upper left corner of the first page.
Word count in the upper right corner of the first page.
Always double-check the individual journal’s guidelines, as deviations can lead to immediate rejection.
Researching Literary Journals
Finding the right home for your story is as important as the story itself. Successfully submitting fiction to literary journals hinges on targeted research.
Finding the Right Fit
Not all literary journals are created equal, and each has its own aesthetic, preferred genres, and stylistic leanings. To effectively submit fiction, you must understand where your story belongs. Consider:
Genre: Does your story align with literary fiction, speculative fiction, flash fiction, or another category?
Style and Tone: Read several past issues of a journal to get a feel for the kind of work they publish. Do they favor experimental pieces, traditional narratives, or something in between?
Themes: Some journals have specific themes for certain issues or lean towards particular thematic explorations.
Utilizing Submission Databases
Several online platforms are invaluable for discovering literary journals and managing submissions:
Duotrope: A subscription service offering extensive searchable databases of literary journals, response time statistics, and submission tracking tools.
Submittable: A widely used platform where many journals manage their submissions. You can browse journals directly through their discovery features.
Poets & Writers: Offers a free, searchable database of literary magazines, presses, and contests.
Clifford Garstang’s Ranking of Literary Magazines: Provides an annual ranking based on Pushcart Prize and Best American Short Stories acceptances, offering insight into journal prestige.
Thorough research will prevent you from submitting a horror story to a journal that only publishes lyrical prose, saving you time and potential frustration.
Crafting Your Submission Package
Beyond the story itself, your submission package plays a vital role when you submit fiction to literary journals. It’s your professional introduction.
The Cover Letter
A concise, professional cover letter is essential. It should include:
Your contact information.
The title of your submitted piece and its word count.
A brief, one-sentence statement if the piece has been previously published (though most journals prefer unpublished work).
A short, professional bio (see below).
A polite closing.
Avoid summarizing your story or trying to be overly clever. Keep it brief and to the point.
Your Author Bio
Keep your bio professional and relevant. For emerging writers, it might include:
Any previous publications, even if in smaller journals or online platforms.
Relevant writing awards or honors.
Your current location or connection to a writing program (if applicable).
If you have no prior publications, a simple bio stating your current writing endeavors is perfectly acceptable. The focus should always be on the quality of your submitted work.
Simultaneous Submissions
Many journals accept simultaneous submissions, meaning you can send the same story to multiple places at once. This significantly speeds up the process of getting your fiction published. However, you must immediately withdraw your submission from all other journals if it is accepted elsewhere. Always check each journal’s policy on simultaneous submissions; if they don’t allow them, respect their preference.
Navigating the Submission Platforms
Most literary journals use online platforms like Submittable to manage submissions. Understanding how to use these systems is key when you submit fiction.
Following Instructions Meticulously
Every platform and journal will have specific instructions. Pay close attention to:
File type (e.g., .doc, .docx, .pdf).