Have you been writing for a while and are you ready to publish your work? Submitting your first article can be an exciting and overwhelming process. There are different procedures for those who write academic articles or personal essays. Regardless of the type of text you produce, there are several steps you can take to make the process a little easier.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Pick the Right Post
Step 1. Present your work in a literary magazine
There are many types of publications or editorials. Where you submit your work will depend on the type of article you have written. If you write fiction, you can submit your article to a literary magazine.
- Start by doing research. Use the internet to search for literary magazines.
- Enter the website of each publisher or magazine. Take a look at the recent posts. This will give you a general idea of the type of article they usually publish.
- Come to the library. Ask the librarian for help finding a complete list of literary magazines. Make sure the magazine of your interest accepts unsolicited submissions.
Step 2. Find an appropriate academic journal
As an academic in your field, your article will be better suited to an academic journal. These posts are generally classified into very specific topics. They also require a more rigorous review process.
- Make sure your research fits the definition or scope of the journal. For example, if you are an expert in European history, do not submit your article to a magazine that focuses solely on East Asian history.
- Verify that the magazine has professional reviews. This means that other academics will review your work.
- Keep in mind that getting a response from the publisher can take time. The peer review process for academic journals can take a few months.
Step 3. Decide where you want to present a personal essay
A personal essay is a non-fiction text. It can be a story about your own experiences. The most effective personal essays are those that different types of people can relate to.
- There are different types of publishers or publications that publish personal essays. Make sure to pick one whose readers may be interested in your story.
- Many newspapers publish personal essays in the magazine section. The most important newspapers usually publish this type of work.
- Consider submitting your essay to an online magazine. There are popular publications that offer their readers essays on a wide variety of topics.
- Send a concise presentation to the appropriate editor. For example, if you want to write an essay about politics, email the editor of a publication that works on political issues.
Step 4. Propose an opinion piece
This text is an opinion, and differs from a personal essay, which can tell a story. In the case of an opinion piece, you will take a certain position on an issue and try to convince your readers that you are right.
- Opinion pieces are usually quite short (usually between 400 and 1200 words).
- Newspapers generally accept opinion pieces on a variety of topics. You can find specific guidelines on newspaper websites.
- Write about a relevant topic. If your article is timely, it will be more likely to get published. For example, a Veterans Services paper might be appropriate to present on a Veterans Memorial Day in your country.
Step 5. Research the post
It is important to ensure that your work is featured in a reputable publisher. For example, do not publish your work in a publication (magazine or newspaper) known to offer low-quality content. Do some research before submitting your presentation or article.
- Avoid predatory posts. These are magazines that charge exorbitant author fees and publish just about anything.
- Academics often feel pressure to post regularly. It is important not to be tempted by the promises of publication in exchange for high rates. These publications generally do not have rigorous standards.
- Fiction writers can also find magazines that they publish for money. These posts are generally frowned upon. If someone asks you for money before your article is published, re-evaluate if it is the right place for your work.
- Some publications that charge author fees have a good reputation. If you feel it is appropriate, please make sure to pay via the specified method.
Method 2 of 3: Prepare your article
Step 1. Try to say something original
Your article should offer new information or a unique perspective. Editors are looking for a fresh look at a topic that excites or piques the interest of their readers, in both fiction and non-fiction texts.
- Make it clear why your article is original. For example, if you are writing an academic article, you can emphasize the new fonts that you have used.
- In the introduction, highlight the unique aspects of your research. For example, you can write "Based on new declassified fonts …".
- If you want to submit a personal essay, explain your perspective. Make it clear to the editor and readers why your topic is interesting. For example, you can write “My experience as a new mother has been different than most because…”.
Step 2. Edit thoroughly
Regardless of the type of article you write, it is important that you edit your work rigorously. Editors won't be impressed if you submit a buggy article. You also need to make sure the text flows consistently.
- After you've written your first draft, review it and edit the content. Make sure the points you want to make are clear.
- Pay attention to organization. Have you made it clear from the beginning what the goal of your article is? Is the conclusion comprehensive? Would it be better to reorganize the information?
- Edit the grammar and style errors. Make sure your spell checker is also set to detect grammar and style errors. Take the time to read each sentence carefully to make sure your text is free of errors.
Step 3. Get constructive criticism
Sometimes being objective with your own work can be difficult. You may feel insecure about your content and some advice will be useful to you. No matter what text you're working on, getting a second opinion can be very helpful.
- Ask a friend to review your work. You can say, "Do you have some time this week to read an article I'm working on?"
- Accept constructive criticism. Don't take personal improvement advice a friend may offer you.
- Pick a friend whose opinion you respect. This will make it easier for you to accept and implement their advice.
Step 4. Follow the submission guidelines
During the editing process, it is important that you make sure you understand all submission and submission guidelines. They appear on the web pages of the publications. Magazines, newspapers, and publications generally indicate the precise qualifications for articles.
- Pay special attention to the guidelines. They are not simply suggestions. Many publications will not read your work if it does not meet the parameters set out in the guidelines.
- Respect the length requirements of the text. Magazines generally provide a minimum and maximum limit for words.
- Uses the specified citation format. Some posts prefer endnotes, while others require footnotes. Make sure you respect the system that the magazine uses.
Method 3 of 3: Submit your article
Step 1. Submit your article
Many times, you will submit a presentation or abstract before submitting the article. Review the submission guidelines to see if this is the process required by the magazine or newspaper where you want to present your work. The editor will often approve your submission and ask you to write and submit your article.
- In the event your submission is approved, the publisher will often request that you submit the article within a specified time frame. Make sure to send the article on time.
- If you are an academic, your first presentation might receive what's known as a "review and resubmission." This means that your article is promising, but needs revisions.
- Submit your revised article in a timely manner. Ask the editor for a clear deadline, and submit your article accordingly.
Step 2. Keep a complete record
Getting an article accepted can be a long process. You may have to submit your work to more than one publication. Be sure to keep track of where you have shipped your item.
- Write the place where you have sent your article. If you're working with multiple texts at the same time, it's helpful to keep track of where you've sent multiple articles.
- Make a note of the date of each shipment. This way, you will have an idea of when you can expect a response.
- Keep a record of communications with the publication. For example, if the editor sends you suggestions for future work by email, it is important that you maintain that organization.
Step 3. Learn to deal with rejection
As a writer, you will have to deal with rejection. Finding a medium to post can be difficult, often requiring multiple attempts. Make sure you are prepared to deal with a "no."
- Don't take it personally. Understand that publishers receive more submissions than they can publish. The fact that your article does not conform to that magazine does not mean that your work is not good.
- Keep going. Prepare to submit the article to the next magazine on your list. Do not forget to have a list of the publications where you want to present your work.
- Do not reply. There is no need to follow up on a rejection note. While it may be tempting to express your frustrations, it's best to accept gracefully and move on.
Step 4. Confirm acceptance
If you receive an acceptance notification, congratulations! You can immediately contact the publisher and confirm receipt of the notification. Email is generally the preferred communication method.
- Provide the publisher with the information they request. You may need to provide your contact information, for example.
- If another publication evaluates the possibility of publishing your article, remove it immediately. Send a notification to explain that your article has been published elsewhere.
- Celebrates. Getting accepted for a small job is a fabulous achievement. Congratulate yourself and share the good news with your friends and family.
Advice
- Improve your skills. You will not sell yourself as a writer, because everyone who writes for magazines is, in theory, good at what they do.
- Your goal is to convince an editor that your work is interesting and timely and that it will arouse the interest of readers, and that you are a person who knows how to communicate that topic.
- Keep trying. For most people, it takes a long time to publish their first article.