For many writers, the dream of seeing their essays published in a respected literary journal is a powerful motivator. The process to submit essays to literary journals can seem daunting, but with a clear strategy and careful execution, it is an achievable goal. This guide aims to demystify the submission process, providing actionable steps to help you share your voice and secure publication.
Why Submit Essays To Literary Journals?
Submitting your essays to literary journals offers numerous benefits beyond mere publication. It provides a valuable opportunity for your work to be read by editors, peers, and a broader literary community. This exposure can significantly boost your writing career and open doors to new opportunities.
Gain Credibility: Publication in a reputable journal adds significant weight to your writing resume.
Reach New Readers: Literary journals have established audiences eager for quality non-fiction.
Receive Validation: An acceptance can be incredibly validating, affirming the quality of your work.
Build a Portfolio: Published essays form a strong foundation for future book deals or grants.
Preparing Your Essay for Submission
Before you even consider where to submit essays to literary journals, your essay must be in its strongest possible form. This preparation phase is perhaps the most critical step in the entire submission journey.
Rigorous Revision and Editing
Your essay should be polished to perfection. This means multiple rounds of self-editing, peer review, and professional proofreading if possible. Look for clarity, coherence, compelling narrative, and impeccable grammar.
Ensure your arguments are clear and well-supported.
Check for flow and transitions between paragraphs.
Eliminate typos, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes.
Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
Formatting Your Manuscript
Most literary journals adhere to specific formatting guidelines, often based on standard manuscript format. While individual journals may vary, a general professional appearance is always expected when you submit essays to literary journals.
Typically, this includes:
Standard 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond).
Double-spacing throughout the entire document.
One-inch margins on all sides.
Page numbers in the upper right-hand corner, along with your last name.
A title page with your essay’s title and your contact information (unless specified for blind submission).
Finding the Right Literary Journals
Successfully finding where to submit essays to literary journals requires careful research and an understanding of each journal’s unique aesthetic. Not every journal will be a good fit for your particular essay.
Researching Potential Outlets
Start by identifying journals that publish work similar in style, theme, or subject matter to your essay. Read several issues of any journal you consider to get a true sense of its editorial taste.
Consider resources like:
Duotrope or Submittable Discover for searchable databases.
Poets & Writers magazine’s literary journal listings.
Recommendations from other writers or writing groups.
Journals that publish authors you admire.
Understanding Submission Guidelines
Every literary journal has specific guidelines for submission. These are not suggestions; they are strict requirements. Failing to follow them is a common reason for immediate rejection. Always read them thoroughly before you submit essays to literary journals.
Pay close attention to:
Word count limits.
Formatting requirements (even if you have a standard format, check for specifics).
Simultaneous submission policies (can you submit the same essay elsewhere at the same time?).
Reading periods and deadlines.
Any specific themes or calls for submissions.
Crafting Your Submission Package
Beyond the essay itself, the submission package often includes a cover letter and a brief author bio. These elements are your opportunity to make a professional first impression.
The Cover Letter
Your cover letter should be concise, professional, and to the point. Its primary purpose is to introduce your essay and yourself. Keep it brief, typically no more than three paragraphs.
Include the following: