Simultaneous Submissions
Sending the same piece to multiple magazines at once is generally acceptable and expected — unless explicitly prohibited. Always check individual magazine guidelines before submitting.
When You Receive an Acceptance
- Immediately withdraw the piece from all other magazines where it's under consideration
- Send polite, brief withdrawal emails to editors — same day if possible
- Celebrate — literary magazine acceptances are genuinely competitive achievements
Handling Rejections
- Most rejections are form letters — they do not reflect the quality of your work
- Personal rejections with specific feedback are encouraging signs — you are in the right tier
- "Please submit again" language is meaningful — act on it with your next piece
- Track rejection patterns to identify if you need to adjust your submission strategy
Timeline Expectations
- Response times vary from 2 weeks to 6 months — check each magazine's stated timeline
- Many magazines only respond if interested — check guidelines before assuming silence = rejection
- Follow up only after the stated response time has passed — and only once
- Professional and brief in any follow-up communication — one sentence is enough
Submission Strategy
- Research Thoroughly First — Read recent issues of magazines you're considering. Understand their aesthetic, typical story length, and subject matter preferences. Submissions without this research are almost always rejected.
- Start With Appropriate Tiers — Apply to magazines that match your experience level. Prestigious magazines receive thousands of submissions monthly — smaller magazines may be more accessible starting points that still build credible credentials.
- Follow Guidelines Exactly — Literary magazines receive enormous submission volumes. Failure to follow formatting, length, or submission process guidelines often results in automatic rejection — before anyone reads a word.
- Track Everything — Use Submittable, Duotrope, or a spreadsheet to track where you've submitted, when, what response you received, and when the stated response deadline is. Professional submitters never lose track.