I came across an article this week on a wonderful website I have discovered. ‘The Review Review’ is a must read website for all short story writers looking to submit to literary magazines. It has an abundance of helpful articles about the submission process.
The article that I read was called ‘What Editor’s Want; A Must-Read for Writers Submitting to Literary Magazines’. If you are just about to send out your short stories for the first time, or if you have sent out multiple submissions unsuccessfully, this is the article for you.
Short story writer and editor, Lynne Barrett, explains in the article what the editor’s job is and what your job is. She explains that your job is to help the editor by sending work that is developed, complete, thoroughly revised, and—of great importance—appropriate for the magazine.
Lynne then talks about how to submit, focusing a lot on what to put in your cover letter. She also stresses to keep good records of what you send where, when. She even talks about how to handle rejection – sending a reply back to the editor saying they are wrong and you don’t care what they think is a big no-no. She explains how to respond to a minimally encouraging rejection and a longer more personal rejection.
Then Lynne goes on to explain acceptances do and don’ts. She says ‘When you get an acceptance, you should be in a position to say, immediately, “Thank you, I’m delighted,” and then you should notify any other journal that has the work under consideration.’
After this she explains how to greet the issue your work is in, and then ends the article by suggesting you try editing yourself.
You can read the article here
Once you read it you should have a look around at the other articles, I have no doubt you will find an abundance of helpful tips.
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