I’m thrilled to share the final episode of our series on getting published in literary magazines! Over the past ten episodes, we’ve covered everything from finding inspiration in submission calls to handling rejections and staying organized. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I hope you’ve found valuable insights to enhance your writing and submission process. As we wrap up this series, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the listeners who’ve joined me on this adventure. Your dedication to your craft is inspiring, and I can’t wait to hear about your future successes in the literary world. Remember, your words matter, and the perfect home for your work is out there. Keep writing, keep submitting, and keep shining!

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#112 Write, Publish, Shine Episode Transcript

Introduction:

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the process of submitting your work to literary magazines? Welcome back to episode 112 of Write, Publish, and Shine, where we’ll uncover the secret weapon of successful writers: staying organized.

This is the final episode in our series on getting published in literary magazines, and it might just be the key to unlocking your publishing potential once you’ve applied the nine other tips in the previous episodes.

Over the past several episodes, we’ve covered a wealth of topics to help you on your publishing journey:

  • Finding your spark in submissions calls (episode 103)
  • Building relationships with lit mags (episode 104)
  • Why you need a compelling opening and how to write one (episode 105)
  • Keeping it compelling after your opening and how to maintain momentum (episode 106)
  • Writing what haunts you (episode 107)
  • Immersing yourself in your genre (episode 108)
  • Seeking the right kind of feedback (episode 109)
  • Handling rejections however you want (episode 110)
  • Cultivating patience and slowing down (episode 111)

Now, let’s dive into the final piece of the puzzle: the art of staying organized in your writing and submission process.


Main Content:

When I talk to writers who are successfully publishing, one common thread emerges: their methodical approach to submissions. These writers don’t just create brilliant work; they treat submitting as an essential part of the writing process, approaching it with the same care and consistency they apply to their craft.

Tip: Develop a submission system that works for you.

Finding a system that keeps you engaged is crucial. Some writers swear by online tools like Chill Subs or Duotrope, while others prefer to create their own systems using spreadsheets or detailed documents. The key is to find what resonates with you and your workflow.

Let’s explore several methods you might consider:

  1. Spreadsheets: Imagine a colour-coded spreadsheet where each row represents a different submission. You can track journal names, submission dates, response times, and the status of your pieces at a glance.
  2. Submission Tracking Apps: Picture opening an app like Submittable or Duotrope and seeing all your submissions neatly organized, with reminders for follow-ups and notifications for responses. So many writers in in our community, swear by these apps, crediting them for increased submission rates and subsequent publications.
  3. Physical Calendars: Visualize a wall calendar with submission deadlines circled in red, writing workshop dates in blue, and personal writing goals in green. This tangible reminder can be a powerful motivator. Many writers I work with need to see something in front of them in order for it to happen because of the way their brains work.
  4. Bullet Journaling: Picture a beautifully crafted journal page with a submission tracker, complete with colourful washi tape marking important dates and inspiring quotes to keep you motivated. This creative approach can turn the sometimes-daunting task of submitting into an enjoyable, artistic process. I’m a huge fan of bullet journalling, but from a distance, alas. We have some beautiful bullet and visual journalling happening in our community, too, and I know for those writers it is invaluable.
  5. Dedicated Folders: Imagine opening your computer to find a neatly organized set of folders, each containing everything related to a specific piece – from early drafts to submission history. This method can be a lifesaver when you need to quickly find information about a particular work. Some writers, mostly of a certain generation, love this method.
  6. Goal Setting: Envision a chart on your wall showing your progress towards your submission goals. Perhaps you aim to submit to five journals each month or revise one piece per week. Tracking your progress visually can be incredibly motivating.
  7. Peer Accountability: A weekly video call with your writing buddy, where you share your submission goals and celebrate each other’s successes. This human connection can provide the encouragement needed to keep pushing forward.
  8. A Notion Template: Imagine a customizable digital workspace where you can track submissions, set goals, and organize your writing projects all in one place. You don’t need to imagine this because I’ve created a free Notion template that you can download and tailor to your needs. It’s designed to make organizing your writing journey easier and more effective. You can download this at rachelthompson.co/tracker

No matter the tool, may I also remind you that community is invaluable? Writers uplift each other. In my course community, I’ve noticed writers tend to publish in a place in clusters, inspired by other writers to submit to the same journal after hearing about one success. There’s a confidence in knowing about a positive experience a writer had and then being able to submit to the same spot. This ripple effect of shared success is what makes a supportive community so powerful.


Conclusion:

So that was it! My ten lessons that encapsulate what I’ve learned over fourteen years on Room‘s editorial collective. From crafting compelling work to submitting with intention and handling rejections, each step is crucial in your journey to publication. Remember, every published writer you admire once stood where you are now, armed with their words and a determination to be read.

If you’ve found value in the advice shared in these episodes, you might be an ideal candidate for my Lit Mag Love course. Today is the last day to register for the upcoming cohort, but don’t worry if you’re listening later – registration typically opens twice per year, in late spring and mid-autumn.

This course isn’t just about learning; it’s about transformation. Past participants have gone from feeling overwhelmed by the submission process to confidently sending out their work and celebrating acceptances. You’ll develop a personalized submission strategy, deepen your connection to your writing, and engage with a supportive community of writers who understand your journey.


Final Thoughts:

As I reflect on my own journey from an aspiring writer to a published author and writing coach, I’m reminded of a moment early in my career. I was staring at a stack of rejection letters, feeling discouraged and ready to give up. But then I decided to organize those rejections, track my submissions, and approach the process more systematically. That shift in mindset and method led to my first publication, and it’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.

So, as you continue your writing journey, remember to trust your voice, keep learning, and stay resilient. The path to publication may be winding, but with persistence, organization, and community, you will find your way. Write boldly, submit wisely, and keep shining. Your words matter, and the world is waiting to read them.


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.

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.

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 and the invasion of Lebanon. Let’s call for a ceasefire and support the movement against apartheid, genocide, and the flagrant disregard for international law.

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