When the world says, “Give up,”
Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”
~Author Unknown
Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. ~Josh Billings
In less than one week, I will be done with this semester and then I hope to get back to some more regular posting.Part of this semester I have been putting together a literary journal and because of that I have reading a lot of different literary journals. When you are sending your work out do you really know your market? It has been a good exercise in deciding if my work is ready and publishable. How do you know if your work is ready for a particular market?
1.Peruse more than one issue of the literary journal you hope to get published in; hopefully your library has some issues because this can get pricey. Many times the journal will have back issues or sample issues on their website for a reduced price.
2.Look at the contributor’s work elsewhere. Many times the accepted contributor will have work online. And many times the lit journal will have samples of the current contributor’s work as links on their site.
3.Don’t forget your library’s book sales. I have bought lit journals for as little as .25 at library book sales. Need inspiration, read accepted and published work.
4. Check websites like Winning Writer’s and publications like Poets and Writers. They both highlight award winning poems. And give you a heads up on what markets to avoid.
5. Read craft books, I’m really looking forward to Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry which won’t be published until March but I ordered yesterday!
6. Like every other type of creative writing perseverance will get you published.
Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
It’s Barrenwort! I love that photo. And great points in the post as well!