Read and Study the Writer Guidelines!

 

The writing, revising and editing are done. What a relief! Now, it's time to find a place to submit your latest story, essay, article, or poem for publication. More steps to take in the marketing process. Today, I'm going to concentrate on one of those steps. Guidelines! 

I can't stress enough how important it is to read and study the guidelines of whatever publication you plan to submit to. Note those two words--read and study.

Before you can do that, you must find the guidelines. You'll find a wide array of the way publications give guidelines. Some give none at all. They do themselves and you a disservice. They probably get many submissions that don't fit their template. You waste time and effort by submitting without knowing what the guidelines are. 

Some give a few requirements and others offer extensive guidelines for the writer. Those who do help the writer and themselves, as well. They aren't going to receive submissions that don't fit their publication. Oh, maybe a few from writers who don't pay attention to guidelines, but they won't be inundated by submissions that will get an automatic rejection because the writers did not 'read and study' very well. 

Two publications that I have found with the lengthiest and most detailed guidelines are Knowonder! magazine for children. I don't believe they are still publishing, but when they did, the writer knew exactly what they were looking for. They even gave writing examples to illustrate their requirements. 

The other publication that offers a long list of guidelines is Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. When I want to submit to one of their books, I read the guidelines, even though I have had many stories published by them. I read them to refresh my mind and to check to see if my story fits within the parameters they set. These editors not only tell you what they want but also what they do not want. 

Sadly, many writers do not bother with reading the guidelines. Yes, it takes a little time but will help you decide whether to submit to that publication or move on. 

One thing I always look for is whether the publication takes reprints. It's great to be able to sell a piece more than once. Often, the pay is less, or even no pay, but it is one more publication for you. If they don't specify, it's probably not a good idea to submit an already published piece. Some will say 'no previously published work' while a few others will state 'reprints accepted'. 

Take the time to read and study those guidelines. It will be of great benefit for you to do so.