The blank page, the perfectly sculpted sentence, the triumphant “The End” – these are the writer’s victories. But lurking beyond the creative high is often an abyss of anxiety: the submission process. For many, the act of putting their meticulously crafted work into the hands of an editor, agent, or publisher carries the weight of judgment, rejection, and the dreaded unknown. This isn’t just about sending an email; it’s about navigating a labyrinth of guidelines, managing expectations, and safeguarding your creative spirit. This guide is your compass and map, designed to demystify the submission journey, empowering you to approach it with confidence, strategic foresight, and, most importantly, a profound sense of calm.
We’ll dissect every facet of the submission experience, from the foundational preparation that mitigates future stress to the nuanced art of handling rejections. Our aim is not merely to provide instruction, but to transform your perspective, enabling you to view submissions not as hurdles, but as integral, manageable steps in your writing career. By the end, you’ll be equipped with actionable strategies to replace dread with determination, and uncertainty with assuredness.
The Pre-Submission Foundation: Building Your Fortress of Calm
Stress in submissions often stems from a lack of preparedness. Before you even think about hitting ‘send,’ establish a robust foundation. This isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for mental tranquility.
1. Master Your Manuscript: Polishing Beyond Perfection
The single greatest stress reducer is knowing your manuscript is truly ready. This means going beyond spell check.
- Deep Self-Editing: This is your first, most critical pass. Look for:
- Plot Holes & Inconsistencies: Do characters suddenly gain new abilities? Does the timeline make sense? Is the world-building consistent? Example: In a fantasy novel, ensure your magic system’s rules are followed, not bent to convenient plot points.
- Pacing: Are there slow stretches? Do action sequences feel rushed? Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures.
- Character Arc: Does your protagonist undergo meaningful change? Is their motivation clear and consistent?
- Show, Don’t Tell: Are you describing emotions and actions, or simply stating them? Instead of “She was sad,” write “Her shoulders slumped, and her gaze fixed on the rain streaking down the windowpane.”
- Dialogue Naturalism: Does your dialogue sound like real people talking, or does it sound stiff and expository? Record yourself reading dialogue to catch unnatural rhythms.
- Beta Readers: The Untapped Resource: Solicit feedback from 2-3 trusted individuals who understand your genre. Provide specific questions: “Does the ending feel earned?” “Are there parts where you found yourself skimming?” Choose readers who are constructive, not just cheerleaders. Example: If you write literary fiction, find beta readers who appreciate nuanced prose and character exploration, not just fast-paced plots.
- Professional Editing (If Budget Allows): While not mandatory for initial submissions, a professional proofread or copyedit can elevate your manuscript significantly. It catches errors your brain is too familiar with to see. This is an investment in your career, signalling professionalism. If you can’t afford developmental editing, prioritize proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and typos.
2. Research, Research, Research: Targeting Your Audience Precisely
Blindly submitting is a common cause of rejection and wasted effort. Strategic targeting is paramount.
- Identify Your Genre & Subgenre: Be precise. Is it cozy mystery or hardboiled noir? Young adult fantasy or adult epic fantasy? Literary fiction or commercial women’s fiction? Example: Don’t submit a dystopian YA novel to a literary journal known for publishing experimental short stories.
- Study the Market:
- Journals/Anthologies: Read past issues. What themes do they favor? What style of writing? Are they open to new voices or primarily publish established authors? Example: If a journal consistently publishes highly experimental, fragmented prose, don’t submit your traditionally structured narrative poem there.
- Agents/Publishers: Scour their “Manuscript Wish Lists” (MSWL), agency websites, and publisher imprints. Understand what they represent or publish. Do they generally prefer series or standalones? What word counts do they typically acquire? Example: An agent specializing in horror is unlikely to be the right fit for your historical romance. Check their recent sales and current client list.
- Compile a Submission List: Create a spreadsheet. Include:
- Publication/Agent Name
- Website Link
- Specific Guidelines (word count, formatting, subject line)
- Submission Portal Link (if applicable)
- Submission Fee (if any)
- Response Time (stated)
- Date Submitted
- Date Follow-Up (if allowed)
- Date Response Received
- Result (Accept/Reject/Revise & Resubmit)
- Notes (e.g., “Loved the opening,” “Too long,” “Nice rejection letter”).
- This organized approach reduces the frantic scramble when you’re ready to submit.
3. Crafting Your Submission Kit: Beyond the Manuscript
A professional submission kit demonstrates competence and respect for the recipient’s time.
- Query Letter (Querying Agents/Publishers):
- Hook: A compelling 1-2 sentence “logline” that captures the essence of your story.
- Synopsis (1-2 Paragraphs): Not a blurb. This is a straightforward, spoiler-inclusive summary of your plot, character arc, and stakes. Example: “When a timid librarian discovers a hidden portal to a dimension ruled by mischievous sprites, she must overcome her lifelong fear of confrontation to retrieve the lost artifact that will prevent her town’s quiet extinction.”
- Bio: 1-2 sentences. Relevant writing credits (if any), education. Keep it professional. Example: “Jane Doe is a former astrophysicist whose work on black holes inspired her debut novel, Event Horizon, set in a warp-torn galaxy. Her short fiction has appeared in Astounding Tales.” If you have no credits, focus on something relevant to your story or your passion for writing.
- Personalization: Address the agent/editor by name. Mention why you chose them (e.g., “Your representation of [Author X]’s The Obsidian Star aligns perfectly with the tone and themes of my own novel”). Avoid generic compliments.
- Cover Letter (Journals/Anthologies):
- Polite & Professional Salutation: “Dear [Editor’s Name],”
- Submission Details: State the title of your piece and its word count clearly.
- Brief Bio: Again, concise and relevant writing credits.
- Thank You: A simple, professional closing.
- Synopsis (Often requested for novels): A 1-2 page (single-spaced) detailed account of your novel, covering all major plot points and character arcs, including the ending. This requires a different skill set from the query synopsis. It proves you know your story’s beginning, middle, and end.
- First Pages/Chapters: Ensure these are meticulously polished. They are your first impression, and often the only part read.
- Formatting: Adhere exactly to guidelines (font, size, line spacing, margins, header/footer). This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about following instructions. Failure to do so signals carelessness. Example: If they ask for Times New Roman 12pt, don’t send Calibri 10pt.
The Submission Act: Executing with Poise
With your foundation set, the actual act of submitting becomes less daunting.
1. Following Guidelines to the Letter: Your Golden Rule
This cannot be overstated. Every journal, agent, and publisher has unique requirements.
- Read & Re-Read: Before clicking submit, go over their guidelines one last time. Example: Many literary magazines specify a single submission at a time, or only once every six months. Violating this usually results in immediate disqualification.
- Exact Word Counts: If they ask for 5,000-8,000 words, don’t send 4,900 or 8,100. Be precise. For poetry, adhere to line limits.
- Specific Subject Lines: Often, they request a specific format (e.g., “Submission: [Genre] – [Piece Title] – [Your Name]”). Follow it. Filters often auto-sort submissions based on subject lines.
- Attachment vs. Pasting: Some prefer attachments, others want text pasted directly into an email or submission manager.
- Simultaneous vs. Exclusive: Understand the difference. Simultaneous means you can send the same piece to multiple places (common for short fiction/poetry). Exclusive means you send it only to them for a specified period (common for novels querying agents, or some journals). Respect exclusive windows.
- Don’t Deviate: Do not try to be “creative” with guidelines. If they offer no specific instructions, default to standard manuscript format (double-spaced, 1″ margins, Times New Roman/Courier New 12pt).
2. The Power of “No-Follow-Up” (Usually)
The urge to check in is strong, but often counterproductive.
- Respect Stated Response Times: If they say “3-6 months,” assume 6+ months. Circle this date on your calendar.
- Only Follow Up If:
- The stated response time has significantly passed (e.g., 9 months for a “3-6 month” window).
- They explicitly state “feel free to follow up after X months.”
- Your piece has been accepted elsewhere (critical for simultaneous submissions – withdraw immediately!).
- How to Follow Up: Keep it brief and polite. “Dear [Name], I submitted [Title] on [Date]. I understand you receive a high volume of submissions. I’m simply checking on its status. Thank you for your time and consideration.” Avoid accusatory or demanding tones.
3. Withdrawal Etiquette: The Graceful Exit
If your piece is accepted elsewhere, you must withdraw it from all other active submissions.
- Immediate Action: As soon as you accept an offer, withdraw the piece from consideration immediately.
- Professionalism: A brief, courteous email is sufficient. “Dear [Name], I am writing to withdraw my submission, [Title], from consideration. Thank you for your time.”
- Why It Matters: Not withdrawing wastes an editor’s time and can blacklist you from future consideration, as it shows disrespect for their process.
Managing the Waiting Game: Cultivating Patience & Resilience
This is arguably the most challenging part. The silence can be deafening, but it doesn’t have to be debilitating.
1. The “Submit & Forget” Mentality (Aspirational, But Helpful)
Easier said than done, but aim for this mindset.
- Shift Focus: Once submitted, divert your energy to your next project. Start a new short story, outline your next novel, read widely. This keeps you creatively engaged and prevents obsessive checking of your inbox. Example: The day after submitting a short story, dive into research for a new historical fiction piece.
- Small Rewards: Acknowledge the accomplishment of submitting. Treat yourself to a nice coffee, a walk, or an hour of reading.
2. The Submission Tracker: Your Sanity Keeper
As discussed, your spreadsheet is indispensable here.
- Avoid Constant Checking: Instead of anxiously refreshing email, refer to your tracker. See when the next ‘follow up’ date is, or when a response is theoretically due.
- Data, Not Dread: The objective data helps you manage expectations. If you know a journal typically responds in 8 months, you won’t stress after 2.
3. Embracing the Power of “No”: Redefining Rejection
Rejection is not a sign of failure; it is an inherent part of the writing life. Every published author has a mountain of rejections.
- It’s Not Personal: Editors and agents make choices based on their current needs, the slush pile volume, the specific fits for their list, and even subjective taste. Your rejection probably has nothing to do with your talent or the quality of your work. Example: An agent might love your prose but already have an author on their list writing in a similar subgenre.
- The “No” is a “Not Right Now, Not Here”: View it as a redirection, not a definitive judgment. Your story wasn’t right for that specific place at that specific time.
- Look for Feedback (Rare, But Valued): Sometimes, you’ll receive a personalized rejection with a brief note. Read it carefully. Did they say the opening was strong but the middle sagged? Did issues with pacing arise? If constructive, incorporate it into your next revision. Do not respond to argue or plead.
- The “Form Rejection” is a Win: It means they processed your submission. Don’t take it as a slight; it’s simply a high-volume industry standard.
- Celebrate Small Victories: Even getting to the point of submission is a victory. Every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” Imagine each rejection as a stepping stone.
- Develop a Rejection Ritual: Some writers delete them immediately. Others save them in a special folder. Some have a “rejection snack.” The goal is to acknowledge the feeling, then move on. Example: After receiving a rejection, go for a run, listen to an uplifting song, then open your new project file.
Post-Submission: Learning and Iterating
The submission journey doesn’t end with a rejection or acceptance. It’s an ongoing cycle of learning and refinement.
1. Analyze Your Rejections (Strategically)
Don’t dwell, but do learn.
- Pattern Recognition: If you receive consistent feedback on a specific element (e.g., “The ending felt rushed,” “Character motivation was unclear”), that’s a strong signal for revision.
- Revise (If Necessary): Don’t immediately overhaul your manuscript for every critique, but if patterns emerge, consider substantial revision before the next submission round. Example: If 8 out of 10 rejections mention the slow beginning of your novel, it’s time to re-evaluate those first 50 pages.
- Know When to Table a Piece: Sometimes, a particular story just isn’t finding its home. It’s okay to set it aside for a while and return to it with fresh eyes later, or even put it in the “drawer” if you feel it’s not serving you anymore. There’s no shame in focusing on new work.
2. The Success: Handling Acceptance with Grace
An acceptance is a thrilling moment, but it also carries responsibilities.
- Celebrate! You’ve earned it. Share the news with trusted friends or family.
- Read the Contract Carefully: For journals, this might be simpler. For agents/publishers, contracts are complex. Understand:
- Rights Granted: Are you giving them exclusive rights for a certain period? All rights? First North American serial rights?
- Payment/Royalties: How and when will you be paid?
- Edits/Revisions: What is the process?
- Reversion Clause: Can you get your rights back if the book doesn’t sell or go out of print?
- Timeline: What are the expected next steps (editing, publication date)?
- Ask Questions: If you don’t understand something, ask. Don’t sign anything you don’t fully comprehend. Consider consulting a lawyer specializing in literary contracts for complex book deals.
- Be a Professional: Respond promptly to emails, meet deadlines for revisions, and maintain a respectful, collaborative attitude. Your reputation is built on more than just your words.
- Withdraw Other Submissions: This is your final, crucial step.
3. The Continuous Cycle: Always Be Writing
The surest way to handle submission stress is to have another project drawing your attention.
- Momentum is Key: Don’t wait for a “yes” or “no” to start something new. The act of creation is empowering and provides a sense of control.
- New Horizons: Each new piece represents new submission opportunities, widening your chances of finding a home for your work.
- Growth: Every new project is a chance to grow as a writer, to experiment with form, style, and voice.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Unstressed Submission
Submitting your work does not have to be an agonizing ordeal. By embracing meticulous preparation, strategic targeting, unwavering professionalism, and a resilient mindset that redefines rejection, you transform the process from a source of dread into a structured, manageable part of your writing career. The power lies not in controlling outcomes, but in mastering your approach. Submit your work with confidence, not fear. Focus on the art, the craft, and the continuous journey of improvement. Let your talent speak for itself, and trust the process. You are a writer; the act of putting your words into the world is an act of courage, and it deserves to be approached with calm conviction.