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,