Getting Published
Ever wonder how to get published? Submittable.com is a good place to start.
Like every writer, I’ve dreamed of someday seeing my work published. But it wasn’t until I retired that I pursued this dream in earnest, after my dear friend and fellow writer, Jillian VanHefty, encouraged me to give it a try using the submittable.com platform.
Why not? I thought to myself. I had time on my hands. I even had essays to work with, having just finished a weeks-long boot camp for creative nonfiction through creativenonfiction.com. So, I logged in, created an account, and spent the next couple of hours scrolling through hundreds of invitations from publications looking for original content. It wasn’t limited to nonfiction. Anyone with original work to share—poetry, screenplays, fiction, you name it—is invited to submit.
As an emerging writer new to the publication game, this site is a virtual gold mine. Here’s what I learned:
1. What is it?
Submittable.com is, among other things, a third-party platform that writers can use to submit their work for publication in journals, magazines, blogs, etc. It can also be used to enter work in various writing contests for an extra boost of recognition.
2. How do I use it?
When you sign up for an account on submittable.com, you can use the platform to submit your work, communicate with publications you’re submitting to, save drafts of your work, and track and manage your submissions. There is no charge for writers to use the platform. However, most publications (but not all) require a small fee when you submit, which is often to help cover their operating expenses.
3. How does it work?
When you first log in, the options might seem a bit overwhelming at first. You can narrow down your options by using the website’s discover feature. This feature shows publication opportunities and deadlines for your specific genre, as well as quick links to publications and details on submission requirements. If you see opportunities you like, you can “save” them until you’re ready to submit. If there’s a particular publication you like, you can “follow” it to be alerted to opportunities as they arise.
4. What do I need to know?
Most publications are looking for work that’s never been published, so submitting original work written by you is key. While you can submit your unpublished work to multiple publications, it should only appear in one publication at a time. Do your research to make sure the publications you’re targeting—and the work they feature—are a good fit. Pay attention to the type of work they’re looking for. Publications often structure opportunities around certain themes. If your work doesn’t support a particular theme, it’s best to look elsewhere.
5. What happens after I submit my work?
Once you submit, expect to wait a couple months (or longer) before getting a response. If your work is accepted, you’ll get a notification from the publisher and will be required to sign a short contract before it’s published (agreeing that the work won’t be featured elsewhere for a certain time period). If you’ve submitted your work to multiple publications, you’ll need to withdraw other submissions once your work is accepted.
While a few of my essays were accepted for publication, a few were not. It happens to everyone. The important thing is, you’re writing! Don’t be discouraged. There is always room for improvement. With the right work, submitted to the right publication at the right time, you too can be published. Keep at it. And good luck!
