Most guidelines will tell you how to format your submission (font type/size, line spacing, etc.), submission windows, as well as what types of submissions publications will and won’t accept.Īpex Magazine’s submission guidelines state to submit your work in Shunn Standard Manuscript Format (modern or classic), with a link to what that is. The second part of my answer when a writer wants to write for us is to direct them to read and understand our submission guidelines. Beyond learning about the particular market you’re wanting to submit to, reading can strengthen your writing. Plus, most great writers are also big readers. It’s a small time investment that can help set you up for success. That’s part of the job of being a writer. But reading three or four current issues? Taking the time to really see what sort of stories are making their way to the top of the slush pile? That’s research. Now, I am not suggesting that you read every issue of every magazine that you might want to submit to. To be successful, you have to put in the time, and part of that time is researching the markets that you’re submitting to. Unfortunately, that isn’t how publishing works. They want some sort of magic formula to guarantee them an acceptance. I can’t tell you how many writers have emailed asking what Apex is looking for right now. Writer *clearly frustrated*: I don’t have time for that.Īnd that right there is it. Writer: I would, but I don’t have the money to subscribe right now. Me: Well, if you’ve read a few issues of the magazine … Writer: Yeah, yeah, I know that, but what do you really want?
Writer: So, what sort of story should I write for you? Me: That’s great! You should submit some time. Writer: I’d love to be published in Apex Magazine! Here is a completely made up, but also very plausible conversation: The automatic assumption is that I’m trying to force them to spend money (buy an issue) or spend something even more precious-their time. Whenever I suggest to a writer that they read a couple issues of Apex Magazine before submitting, I can hear the internal groan that they won’t let pass their lips, even while the plastic, pleasant smile forms on their face. Read and understand the submission guidelines. Read a couple issues of the magazine, andĢ. What do I do?īefore submitting to any magazine there are two things that a writer should do:ġ. For today’s FOR WRITERS, I thought I’d create a Submitting Short Fiction 101 lesson to make the submitting process less intimidating for new writers and answer questions I commonly receive. Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.Īs managing editor of Apex Magazine and general Apex slush wrangler, I have fielded more than my fair share of questions regarding the submissions process.
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