Writing for literary journals can feel a bit intimidating, especially when you’re unsure where to start or how to get your work accepted. But don’t worry—if you follow a few simple steps, you’ll make the process smoother and more successful. Keep reading, and I’ll help you figure out how to pick the right journals, follow submission rules, and give your work the best chance to shine.
By the time you finish, you’ll have a clear plan for submitting your stories or poems, from polishing your piece to managing the submission process confidently. Whether you’re new to the game or simply looking to improve your chances, this guide will show you how to navigate the world of literary journals with ease. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Choose journals that match your writing style and genre. Research their past work, submission windows, and acceptance rates to avoid wasting time on unlikely matches.
- Follow each journal’s submission rules exactly. Use checklists to ensure proper formatting, word limits, and required materials before sending your work.
- Polish your manuscript thoroughly. Fix grammar, flow, and readability. A clean, well-edited piece makes a stronger impression on editors.
- Understand the payment options and rights involved. Know if the journal pays, what rights you give, and keep records of submissions and agreements to avoid mistakes.
- Track your submissions carefully. Use spreadsheets to monitor deadlines, formats, and responses. Be patient with rejection and keep submitting elsewhere.
- Increase acceptance chances by submitting to journals that publish similar work, customizing each submission, and steadily building your writing portfolio through consistent effort.
1. Find the Right Literary Journals for Your Writing
The first step in writing for literary journals is to identify the ones that fit your style and genre. Don’t just send your work everywhere—choose journals that publish what you write. For example, if you write poetry, check out rankings like Clifford Garstang’s 2025 poetry mag rankings to find reputable options that recognize winners with Pushcart Prizes and other honors.
Look at the types of work they publish, their submission windows, and whether they accept unsolicited submissions. Magazines vary: some are open year-round, others have tight reading periods. Picking the right journals also means reading a few past issues—this helps you understand their tone and style. That way, you can tailor your submissions and avoid wasting time on magazines unlikely to accept your work.
Don’t forget to check if the journal’s status is active—many magazines go on hiatus or close without warning, so stay updated. Top journals often reject over 95% of submissions, so target those that are a good match and relatively accessible. This saves you frustration and boosts your chances of getting noticed.
2. Follow Submission Rules Carefully
Every literary journal has its own set of rules—miss a detail, and your work might be tossed without a second glance. So, read their submission guidelines thoroughly. Look for details like formatting style, word count limits, and whether they want a cover letter or bio included.
For instance, some magazines accept submissions via online portals, while others prefer email. Pay attention to their reading periods because many top journals close submissions for months, especially after receiving thousands of entries. Sending your work outside the window or ignoring their format can lead to instant rejection.
Pro tip: keep a checklist for each journal’s rules and double-check before hitting send. A well-formatted, rule-compliant sub shows professionalism and respect for their process, helping your work stand out in a crowded inbox.
3. Polish and Prepare Your Manuscript
Before submitting, give your work a serious polish—nothing impresses editors more than clean, error-free writing. This means editing for clarity, flow, and grammar. Also, consider readability—short paragraphs and clear language can make a big difference.
Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes helps; ask a trusted friend or consider using editing tools like Autocrit to catch overlooked mistakes. Remember, your manuscript is your first impression, so aim for perfection without overdoing it. You want the editor to focus on your story, not on typos or formatting issues.
Include your bio and cover letter if required, keeping them brief but impactful. A concise bio that highlights your achievements or previous publications can add credibility and catch the editor’s eye. Taking the time to prepare your manuscript properly can vastly improve your chances of publication.
4. Understand Payment Options and Rights
Getting paid smoothly is a big part of writing for literary journals, but it can be trickier than you might think.
Many top magazines, especially ones ranked highly for poetry like those listed in Clifford Garstang’s 2025 rankings, offer modest payments or sometimes none at all for first-time submissions.
Always check their payment rates upfront—some pay per poem or story, while others offer a flat fee or revenue share if they publish online.
Beyond payment, it’s crucial to understand rights: does the magazine want exclusive rights, or do they only want first serial rights?
If you want to keep the ability to submit to other places later, look for journals that accept rights only for a limited time or non-exclusive rights.
Some magazines might ask for first publication rights, which means once published, you can’t re-sell that specific piece elsewhere; others may purchase reprint rights later.
Read the fine print carefully—sometimes, agreeing to publish means signing over rights you can’t undo.
Another tip: if you’re just starting out, consider submitting to publications that pay in honorarium or compensation, as it shows their appreciation for your work and gets you used to the legal side of publishing.
Keep a record of where you’ve submitted, what rights you’ve granted, and what payments you’re owed—staying organized helps avoid mistakes or missed payments.
And if you’re unsure about rights or contracts, don’t be shy—ask a more experienced writer or look for resources like guides on rights and contracts.
5. Submit Your Work and Manage the Process
Once you’ve got your manuscript polished and know the rights and payment terms, it’s time to send your work out into the world.
Use a spreadsheet or document to track each journal, their submission window, and whether you sent your piece via email or an online portal.
Pay close attention to the reading periods—many top journals, like those ranked based on Pushcart Prize nominations, open twice a year or have strict deadlines—you can’t just hit send whenever you want.
If a journal requires formatting, attach your manuscript exactly as specified—no deviations, even if it feels petty.
Some writers find it helpful to prepare a standard cover letter template but customize it for each magazine, referencing something specific about their publication or previous issues.
When you receive notifications—be it rejection, acceptance, or waitlist—manage expectations and keep records their dates.
Rejections are part of the game—most respected journals reject over 95% of submissions—so don’t take it personally.
If you get a form rejection, consider whether improvements can be made, or try another publication with a similar style.
After multiple submissions, you might notice certain magazines are more receptive to your work—invest time in building relationships, but also keep submitting elsewhere.
Joining writing communities or forums can help you stay updated on open submission periods and new calls—some magazines, especially during pandemic times, have shifted their schedules.
Pro tip: set reminders to revisit magazines’ websites or social media regularly, as guidelines and submission windows change often.
6. Increase Your Chances of Acceptance
Getting your work published is partly about persistence and partly about strategy.
Start by submitting to magazines that publish work similar to yours; if you write poetry ranked highly in Clifford Garstang’s rankings, focus on those that recognize Pushcart winners or special mentions.
Then, tailor each submission—don’t send the same cover letter and manuscript everywhere; editors can tell if you’re lazy.
Read several issues of the journal to get a sense of their tone, style, and what they’re really after—this increases your chances of hitting the mark.
If you’re just starting, consider submitting to magazines with higher acceptance rates or those that support emerging writers—this boosts your confidence and portfolio.
Make sure your manuscript is tight—grammar, punctuation, and formatting should be spotless—an error-free piece shows professionalism.
If you want to stand out, include a brief but compelling author bio that highlights relevant achievements or previous publications.
Think about submitting multiple pieces over time—many writers see better results not from a single submission but from consistent effort.
And don’t forget: if your first submission gets rejected, don’t get discouraged—rejection is part of the process. Keep refining and trying again.
Joining critique groups or beta readers can sharpen your work further before you submit, increasing your chances of acceptance.
Lastly, stay informed about changes in submission windows, payment rates, and new opportunities through websites and newsletters—these updates can help you act fast and stay competitive.
FAQs
Research journals that publish your genre and style, review submission guidelines, and check past published works to ensure your writing fits their preferences and audience.
Carefully read submission guidelines regarding formatting, word count, cover letter requirements, and submission deadline to avoid rejection due to technical errors.
Revise your work for clarity, grammar, and style, seek feedback from peers or editors, and ensure your manuscript aligns with the journal’s thematic focus and audience expectations.
