Preparing a Submission for a Literary Journal

This page is designed to provide general information for students who are just starting to send their work out for publication. This page tells you what you need to know to put together a professional submission packet. While Toyon does not require the conventions that are listed here, editors of other journals may expect that writers know these conventions. 

Example Cover Letter

Dear [appropriate division editor] at [journal]:

I'm pleased to submit ["title"] for [issue number/theme or "for your review"].

Bio: [include third-person bio here]

The piece is under concurrent consideration. I will notify you immediately if it is accepted for publication elsewhere.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Your name
Email Address
Your website]

What to Include ​in a Cover Letter

• The correct name of the current editor in your genre category.
• Your contact information.
• Enclosures: The title of your piece(s), in case something gets lost. (If this is a snail mail submission and you're including an SASE, mention this enclosure too.)
• Indication that you have thoroughly researched the publication. "Show, rather than tell" your enjoyment of the publication by mentioning specific pieces you read, specific features, etc.
• Indication of whether or not this is a simultaneous submission.
• A bio...
  • Be sure to check what kind of bios the publication runs. For instance, Rattle and FENCE are two literary journals that run bios which are atypical in content/form; these bios are tailored to the particular journal.
  • A standard bio is short and may include details such as institutional affiliation, degrees held, occupation, where you reside, where you're from, and publication credits. 
  • If you have no previous publications, personalize your submission with a one or two sentence truthful statement which gives the impression that you are serious about being a writer (e.g., "I am a working writer living in New Orleans.").

WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE IN A COVER LETTER

• More than five publication credits. 
• Publication credits that may seem irrelevant or less-than-impressive to your audience. 
• A detailed description, summary, or paraphrasing of your manuscript.
• A sales pitch. Let your work stand on its own.
• Self-glorifying adjectives.
• A request for a meeting to discuss your work.
• Apologies.
• A request for advice.
• An offer to rewrite.
• A description of how to layout, format, typeset, or edit your work.
• Mention of people the editor is not likely to know.
• Mention of people who think your work is great. (Don't say: "my friend Jay said this work was good enough to submit.")

For more information, visit Lora Rivera's guide: "How to Submit to Literary Journals"

Query Letters
-vs-
​Cover Letters

The Query Letter

Purpose: To pitch your work; to convince the recipient to ask to see your full-length manuscript

​May be accompanied by a sample chapter (if requested in the submission guidelines)

Used when submitting work to an agent, glossy magazines, or other higher paying markets
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The Cover Letter

Purpose: To introduce yourself and your submission


Prefaces a complete manuscript 


​Used when submitting to "literary and little" independent presses / publications

Also used to preface any work that is solicited by an editor/agent (when they're asking to see a full-length work)

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How to Submit Your Work to Literary Magazines

5 Steps

1. Find and select your markets. Markets are journals, magazines, or publishers who may accept your work. To find markets, search in databases like those provided by Writers Market, Poets & Writers and Submittable. You may also wish to consult the CLMP Directory. Track upcoming deadlines on the AWP Writer's Calendar.
2. Research the markets you select. Learn everything you can about the markets you select. Read your market's website thoroughly. Read back issues of publications. Read the editors' bios. Find out more on NewPages and Duotrope.
3. Write your cover or query letter. See the information above about the conventions of these genres. 
4. Prepare your proposal or manuscript packet for online or print submission, following the writer's guidelines specified on the market's website.
5. Send your submission, and keep record of what you've sent. You may wish to subscribe to a site like Duotrope to help manage your records.

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