If you're looking to publish short fiction in literary magazines or anthologies that focus on speculative fiction, here are some strategies and tips to enhance your chances of success.
Recommended Strategy
Create a Submission and Tracking Document:
- Record the details of each submission, including the date, magazine name, and the status of your submission. This will help you stay organized and avoid sending duplicate submissions.
Research and Rank Potential Markets:
- Make a list of potential magazines and anthologies. Rank them based on their pay rate (cents/word or total payout) and their policies on simultaneous submissions.
Target High-Paying Markets First:
- Start by submitting to the three highest-paying markets that do not accept simultaneous submissions. These markets often offer more substantial compensation but require exclusive submissions. Submit to these one at a time, moving to the next only after receiving a rejection.
Submit Widely to Simultaneous Submission Markets:
- If the top three markets reject your story, submit it to all magazines that accept simultaneous submissions. This increases your chances of acceptance. Skip any markets that charge a submission fee unless you're willing to invest in that particular opportunity.
Utilize Feedback:
- If a magazine rejects your work but provides feedback or an edited version, consider incorporating the suggested changes before submitting to the next market.
Track Submission Deadlines:
- Keep an eye on submission windows and deadlines for each market to ensure you don't miss any opportunities.
Additional Advice for Speculative Fiction Writers
Read and Research: Familiarize yourself with the magazines and anthologies you're targeting by reading their previously published works. This will give you a sense of what they are looking for and help you tailor your submissions accordingly.
Network and Engage: Join online communities and forums dedicated to speculative fiction. Engage with other writers and editors to learn about new opportunities and get feedback on your work.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a professional and concise cover letter to accompany your submission. Highlight any previous publications or relevant experience, but keep it brief.
Stay Persistent: Rejection is a common part of the submission process. Don’t get discouraged—keep refining your work and submitting to new markets.
Utilize Submission Platforms: Websites like Submittable, Duotrope, and The Grinder are invaluable resources for finding and tracking speculative fiction markets. These platforms often have advanced search functions that allow you to filter by genre, pay rate, and submission policies.
Consider Anthologies and Contests: In addition to magazines, look for themed anthologies and writing contests. These can be great avenues for publication and often have specific calls for speculative fiction.
Other Resources
- List of Magazines: Some websites have comprehensive lists of speculative fiction magazine publishers. Make use of such resources as they can be very useful for writers looking to get published.
For now, I recommend browsing platforms like Submittable and similar websites that curate lists of publications, including speculative fiction.
Best of luck with your submissions!
