Advice for Writers

Do …

• Be professional and polite when corresponding with editors, even through email. This includes using full sentences and avoiding informal abbreviations such as "BTW." Also, it should go without saying that you should never respond rudely to a rejection or attempt to enter into a debate with an editor—nothing will get you on their bad side faster!
• Target your submissions. Sending a piece to an inappropriate market does not increase its chance of getting published. Instead it keeps the piece in limbo longer.
• Read and follow the publisher's guidelines. Always. No exceptions. Even if you've submitted to the market in the past, re-read the guidelines. You never know when they might change. Also, if you can manage it, you should try to read at least one issue or book they've published to get a better idea of what they're looking for.
• Use standard manuscript formatting unless otherwise instructed. 12-point Times New Roman (or Courier if the editor prefers), wide margins, double-spaced for prose, single-spaced for poetry, etc. Why? Most editors find it's easier on their eyes (and the easier it is for them to read, the more of it they'll read).
• Keep track of your submissions. Know where you sent what piece and when. That way, you will avoid embarrassing, repeat submissions, and you'll have a better idea of when to query on the status of your submission and when to give up waiting. We offer an online submission tracker to our individual subscribers.
• Use your common sense. Not every editor knows what he or she is doing. If it is clear to you that the editor can't spell (or use spell-check) or doesn't know the basic rules of grammar, perhaps you should submit elsewhere.
• Be wary of publishers or agents that offer critiquing or editing services for a fee. Publishers are in the business of publishing. You have to wonder when they venture into the dubious world of fiction doctoring for profit. Besides, there are plenty of excellent, free writers' workshops around.
• Support your favorite publications. Many publications, particularly small press ones, teeter constantly on the brink of destruction. Without the support of readers—and all writers should be readers—they can't support themselves, let alone writers. Subscribe to your favorite magazines, buy books and anthologies that interest you. It benefits us all—writers, publishers, and editors alike!