What to Submit to Literary Magazines
- Short stories — complete, standalone work preferred over novel excerpts
- Personal essays and narrative nonfiction
- Flash fiction (under 1,000 words) — faster turnaround, growing popularity
- Poetry — separate ecosystem, specialist magazines
Submission Strategy
- Research recent issues before submitting — understand the aesthetic
- Start with appropriate tiers — build to prestigious outlets
- Follow guidelines exactly — failure is often automatic rejection
- Track submissions in a spreadsheet or Submittable
"Personal rejections with specific feedback are encouraging signs. 'Please submit again' means you're in the right tier."
Competitions, Fellowships & Grants
Writing competitions can provide money, credibility, and career advancement. They require strategic approach to avoid wasting time and money on low-value opportunities.
Legitimate Competition Signs
- Reasonable entry fees ($15–50) covering admin costs
- Substantial prizes: money, publication, or mentorship
- Clear judging criteria and previous winners you can research
- Sponsored by reputable organisations or institutions
Red Flags
Avoid
- Avoid: Excessive entry fees ($100+) relative to prizes offered
- Avoid: Anonymous judges or vague criteria
- Avoid: Promises that "everyone wins something"
- Avoid: Pressure to purchase additional services