Welcome back to the second episode of my ten-part series on lessons from my journey at Room Magazine. In our first episode, we explored how themed submission calls can spark motivation and inspire your writing. Today, I’m excited to share the second lesson I’ve learned during my fourteen years on the editorial collective.

It’s been a privilege to work with talented writers and witness the evolution of Room, now in its 47th volume. Each month, I’m inspired by the beautiful submissions that reveal the magic of language and shared experiences. As the lead editor, I’ve had the joy of helping writers polish their work for print.

I want to share a personal experience that profoundly shaped my understanding of vulnerability in writing. The first issue I edited came during a time of devastating personal loss. I struggled to find my voice, feeling creatively frozen. I often remembered Anaïs Nin’s quote, “We write to taste life twice,” but I hesitated to revisit that pain.

Yet, I felt a deep yearning to connect with writing and other writers. This led me to call for a themed issue on Mythologies of Loss, which became my way of asking, “Do you know what I mean?”—a way to hold up my experience and make sense of it. The response was incredible, reinforcing my belief in the power of connection through writing.

Remember, the magic of writing lives within you, too. Your voice matters, and your words can inspire change. When you choose where to submit, consider the trust you have with that community. Many contributors choose Room because they know we value and respect their writing.

When dealing with vulnerable pieces, be thoughtful about where you submit. Annette C. Boehm, who contributed to our “Ghosts” issue, said, “This very personal poem should not just go anywhere.”

Tip: Find literary magazines that resonate with your work and values. Look for places that engage with a community that will appreciate and connect with your words.

Before hitting send on your submissions, take a moment to do a vibe check on the literary magazines you’re considering. Research their values, mission statements, and past issues to see if their ethos aligns with your work. Engage with their social media channels and community forums; observe how they interact with writers and readers. Reach out to fellow writers or look for testimonials from those who have previously submitted. Trust your instincts—if a publication feels like a good fit, chances are, it will be. Remember, a supportive environment fosters your growth as a writer and amplifies your voice.

Choosing the right publication increases your chances of acceptance. Contrary to what many writers think, submitting repeatedly is perfectly fine! It builds a relationship with that publication.

I love seeing new work from writers who have submitted multiple times, especially when their work aligns with what we’re looking for. It’s always a joy to finally publish someone I’ve been watching and hoping to work with for a long time.

Tip: If a publication turned you down before, don’t hesitate to submit your work again.

Persistence can pay off. If you’re worried about bothering us, remember—unless you’re submitting indiscriminately, you’re not bothering us at all.

As you reflect on your own submission journey, think about how your vulnerability can connect you with others. I’d love to hear your stories about navigating the submission process. What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them? Share your thoughts with me!

Coming up next, another vital lesson I’ve learned during my years at Room Magazine, so be sure to subscribe to get the full series of episodes, ten in total.

The Write, Publish, and Shine podcast is hosted by me, Rachel Thompson, with sound editing by Adam Linder.

To learn more about my work supporting writers, visit rachelthompson.co and sign up for my weekly Writerly Love Letters, packed with encouragement for your writing journey. If this episode inspired you to write, publish, and shine, I’d love to hear about it! Email me at hello@rachelthompson.co.

Please share this episode with other luminous writers by directing them to rachelthompson.co/podcast or by searching for “Write, Publish, and Shine” wherever they get their podcasts. Thank you for listening!

I acknowledge the El Muzina Bedouin lands in South Sinai, Egypt, where I record, and I stand in solidarity with those condemning the ongoing violence against Palestinian people. Let’s call for a ceasefire and support the movement against apartheid and genocide.