Immediate — Do Right Now
- Research agents who represent your genre (if pursuing traditional path)
- QueryTracker, Publishers Marketplace, Manuscript Wishlist — filter for recent sales in your category
- Identify 10–15 literary magazines that publish your type of work
- Read 2–3 recent issues of each before adding them to your list
- Research 3–5 legitimate competitions and fellowships relevant to your stage and genre
- Create a submission tracking system — spreadsheet or Submittable
- Track: where, what, when submitted, deadline, response received, outcome
This Week
- Prepare your query letter and 1-page synopsis for agent submissions
- Research submission guidelines for your target literary magazines — every one is different
- Apply the lottery test to competitions you're considering — calculate real cost vs benefit
- Set up a submissions calendar with all relevant deadlines for the next 6 months
This Month
- Begin querying agents (if pursuing traditional path) — aim for 10–20 submissions per round
- Track every submission. No duplicates. No unsolicited full manuscripts.
- Submit to 5–10 literary magazines — target different tiers simultaneously
- Apply to 2–3 legitimate competitions or fellowships with reasonable odds and real prizes
- Track all submissions and responses professionally — update your system within 24 hours of any response