Tips for Writing Submissions to Editors
Perfect Submissions Practice Help Ensure Publication
Sep 21, 2008
There is an old English proverb which says, “You cannot put an old head on young shoulders”, which loosely means there is no substitute for experience. This may be true but there is no reason why, with a few well appointed tips, the mastering of any craft may be made all the easier. And as writing is a craft, tips to make it more enjoyable and rewarding, are always worth having.
Craft of Writing
With regard to the craft of writing “young shoulders” can belong to anyone. There is no age limitation on the desire to write and to see that piece of writing in print and prospective editors will not question whether the writer is an old aged pensioner, a child or a middle-aged parent. However; they will question the professional standards of that piece of writing. So the more polished it is when it is presented is of vital importance and good advice and tips can help any writer to get published.
Pointers for Publication
- Editors: With the mounting pressure in this modern world time is always at a premium and it is imperative to remember that editors are busy people and they will not have the time to mollycoddle a new beginner. They will be constantly on the look out for that professional piece of writing to fit their deadlines. Submission should be perfect and appropriate for the individual publication.
- Trust: To have a successful relationship with any editor the first task of the beginner to gain the trust of the editor. Get the editor’s name correct. A misspelled name will not endear a new beginner to a new editor. Get all the relevant details of the publication correct the first time round. Do the necessary research and a phone call to the editorial department is the best way to do this. Names and positions change quickly nowadays so do not rely solely on “off the shelf directories” for this information.
- Sentences: Ernest Hemingway had one special tip for writers of all ages – keep the sentences short. A convoluted first sentence will only irritate a busy editor whereas short crisp sentences will get the story, filler piece or article off to a good start and the editor will quickly see where the piece is going.
- Paragraphs: Paragraphs should also be kept short. Experimental writing is very important but not as important as impressing the editor by presenting the piece in clear, easy to understand paragraphs. Clarity makes easy reading.
- Spelling: Spelling may not be the strongest point of any writer but it will be a strong point with every editor so invest in a good dictionary. Most PC’s have spell-checkers installed – use them but do not rely on them solely.
- Research: Research has two approaches to be considered. First is the research needed for the piece of writing and secondly is the research of the prospective outlet for publication. Look at the newsstands to see what is popular and study the magazines most likely to suit the article or story to hand. Every good writer should have a set of research tools available, such as the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook and a number of dictionaries and “How To” writing aids.
- Synopsis: When writing a synopsis keep it brief. Give personal details, writing background, proposed article details and most important of all - give an insight into the new angle about to be used to give this particular piece of writing ‘a must have’ aura for any editor.
Writing success depends not only on quality content but also on good research, perfect submissions to publications and knowledge of the intended market. There is another English proverb which says, “Never put off till tomorrow what can be done today”, so start writing today.
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