Personally, I don’t recommend submitting to lit mag writing contests. The entrance fee is often $20 or more, and your chances of getting published are no better than with a regular submission. Writing contests are primarily a way for lit mags to make money.
Very helpful to read this both in terms of building one's confidence, knowledge and experience in the Lit Mag world, and practical suggestions. Thanks Lily and thanks Becky!
Lilia, from one Minnesotan to another, good article! FWIW, since you already have and use Duotrope (as do I), think about using its many recordkeeping features to track your submissions. I think you'll fine it's very easy and logical, and you don't have to build and maintain any spreadsheets since the format is already there for you. Good luck in your subs!
Thank you very much! I have utilized the Duotrope feature as well and really enjoy it. Thank you for reminding me of this - hopefully others see this comment and look into that as well.
Hello, Richard! Thank you so much for this incredible comment and your very kind words. CONGRATULATIONS! So exciting about your achievements. I would love to read any of your published work - where can I find it?
Thank you for the advice and inspiration in this essay, Lilia. While I have only managed four submissions in the time since reading it, one piece was accepted for publication, and another won a prize!
I was usually uncertain about submitting my writing when all I had to my name was a single publication. One likes to think that the work will speak for itself, but that can be hard to believe when every contributor to a magazine has an impressive list of literary achievements and you're just getting started. Your words helped me add a few more achievements to my own list, and I'm very grateful for that.
If you write essays, Medium is a platform you should investigate. You can submit to various online publications there.
Thank you for sharing this!
Personally, I don’t recommend submitting to lit mag writing contests. The entrance fee is often $20 or more, and your chances of getting published are no better than with a regular submission. Writing contests are primarily a way for lit mags to make money.
Hi, Bruce. I only submit to the free contests. Erica Verillo, the blogger I mentioned, shares free contests through lit mags every month.
Very helpful to read this both in terms of building one's confidence, knowledge and experience in the Lit Mag world, and practical suggestions. Thanks Lily and thanks Becky!
Thank you so much!
Lilia, from one Minnesotan to another, good article! FWIW, since you already have and use Duotrope (as do I), think about using its many recordkeeping features to track your submissions. I think you'll fine it's very easy and logical, and you don't have to build and maintain any spreadsheets since the format is already there for you. Good luck in your subs!
Alan
Thank you very much! I have utilized the Duotrope feature as well and really enjoy it. Thank you for reminding me of this - hopefully others see this comment and look into that as well.
Hello, Richard! Thank you so much for this incredible comment and your very kind words. CONGRATULATIONS! So exciting about your achievements. I would love to read any of your published work - where can I find it?
Thank you for the advice and inspiration in this essay, Lilia. While I have only managed four submissions in the time since reading it, one piece was accepted for publication, and another won a prize!
I was usually uncertain about submitting my writing when all I had to my name was a single publication. One likes to think that the work will speak for itself, but that can be hard to believe when every contributor to a magazine has an impressive list of literary achievements and you're just getting started. Your words helped me add a few more achievements to my own list, and I'm very grateful for that.