The Devil is in the Details
… When You Submit for Publication
These tips come from a program given to the Inland Empire Branch by Assunta Maria Vickers, IECWC newsletter editor and board member, published writer, contributor, and volunteer judge on the CWC Literary Review. The talk, entitled “The Devil is in the Details,” urged that:
Attention to details should become second nature to writers when submitting work for publication to any publishing venues –
Read the fine print included on the websites or print documents that accompany the submission.
Read the publisher’s instructions on the format needed to submit a piece for publication. All publishers’ guidelines are important and unique.
Find the publishing market that best reflects your interest and writing goals.
Consider and appreciate the guidelines as a gift to help one successfully publish.
Write the best story.
No last-minute rush crunch. Take time to revise, edit, and review a piece.
Seek editors among trusted people. Take editing suggestions seriously.
Be open and accept criticism, constructive criticism of course.
Do not take rejection personally and become discouraged.
Be persistent with writing and submitting work for publication
Use “Writer’s Market” as a research source. “Writer’s Market” is a massive annual publication that describes the publishers’ subject, type of literature they accept, payments, the publishing schedules, and a short history of the company,
Practice preparation for publication by writing cover letters to editor addressing the specifics of that particular publisher and how our piece fits in,
Keep in mind that following all the rules does not guarantee publication, but not following them eliminates one from a pool of considered writers.