A comprehensive guide to getting published and building a literary reputation through small presses and
magazines — and taking ownership of your own publishing life
This essential guide is the first of its kind to chart a path to publication that is writer led, community based, and
accessible to all. How to Submit speaks to writers who want to publish short stories, essays, or poems in literary
magazines, as well as to those looking for a fresh route to publishing a full-length book.
Whether you’re a first-time submitter or you have experience sending out your work, How to Submit provides
you with the tools and knowledge to successfully share your writing. It’s also a manifesto for finding joy in the
process, arguing that seeking publication should give writers energy, not take it from them.
In clear and encouraging chapters, veteran small press author and instructor Dennis James Sweeney shares
the secrets of his success, such as:
• practical advice on formulating a submissions plan, including choosing where to submit and whether to submit
to contests
• tips for writing a standout cover letter, as well as using an encouraging rejection letter to greatest advantage
• strategies on how to manage wait times and payment
• suggestions for building connections with editors, readers, and fellow writers and increasing your involvement
in the literary world
Perfect for writers of any genre, How to Submit demystifies the small press and literary magazine landscape
for those seeking a place for their work that really feels like home.
