“Write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow…”
Lawrence Clark Powell
As more and more respected literary magazines publish online, saying you are published online is losing much of its previous negative connotation.This morning I found a writers website where they are listing the Top 20 online literary magazines. There’s a lot more on this site appropriately titled Every Writers Resource so take some time to explore.
When I am researching where to send a submission I use my trusty Writer’s and/or Poet’s Market, my favorite online site Duotrope, word of mouth, and my personal list of favorite literary journals. But the most important research is to read at least 2-3 issues of the literary journal. This used to be difficult and expensive because access to literary journals depended on where you lived. Now many of the literary journals give you a varied sampling of the work that is accepted online. It’s what the editors think is right for their journal that will be published. Don’t skip this step and just blindly send out work. Each literary journal has its own voice and many have themes for each issue. Doing your research will save you time and strengthen your odds of being published. Last semester part of our literary journal project was researching literary journals and thoroughly analyzing the content, style and voice of new-to-us journals. This took a little bit of time but I found it invaluable. One journal that I discovered and will pursue is Rosebud. Today consider taking the time to discover some new markets for your work. Make a list of markets that fit your style and voice. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Starting A Writing Habit
Great advice about researching literary magazines before submitting. I did submit to Rosebud many years ago.
As far as their contests are concerned, I do not usually submit to those that charge a fee. There are hundreds of contests out there that require none and that is the best route to go in my eyes.
Thanks again for this article. It’s great to know there are writers out there who will share.
Blessings,
Mary
Thanks for commenting Mary, I don’t submit to contests that charge a fee unless the prize is quite substantial compared to the fee, for example I recently got an email for a local writing group contest the fee was $5. pretty reasonable but the top prize was only $25! Some very respectable journals charge a fee but then give you a year of their magazine in exchange. If you do your research you will know when you should pay a small fee to participate. Both winningwriters.com and duotrope.com will give you access to fee-free contests and journals.