Common mistakes writers make when submitting fiction to literary journals

Submitting your fiction to literary journals is a thrilling yet often daunting chapter in a writer's journey, serving as the critical bridge between a finished manuscript and potential publication. Despite the abundance of resources available, many aspiring authors unknowingly stumble over recurring errors that can silently tank their chances of acceptance before they even read the story. This guide aims to illuminate the most frequent mistakes made during the submission process so that you can refine your approach, respect the editors' time, and maximize your probability of having your work read and considered. ## Why Your Submission Gets Rejected by Literary Editors The single most common error writers make is ignoring or misinterpreting the specific submission guidelines for a particular journal. Every literary magazine has unique preferences regarding formatting, word count limits, and the type of material they are currently seeking. A story that is perfect for one publication might be rejected outright by another simply because it exceeds their preferred length or arrives in the wrong file format. Writers often assume their work fits because it fits their own standards, failing to recognize that a journal's "ideal" fiction is distinct from what feels right for them. Before hitting the "submit" button, carefully review the instructions on the journal's website, noting specific constraints such as the maximum number of words, whether they accept blind submissions, and the required file type. Taking the time to adhere strictly to these rules demonstrates professionalism and respect for the editor's workflow, immediately signaling that you are a serious candidate worth their time. ## The Hurdles Writers Face When Submitting Fiction to Literary Journals Many writers believe a cover letter is optional or merely a formality, leading them to submit a generic template or no letter at all. While some journals do not require cover letters, others view them as a vital opportunity to introduce your work and your authorial voice. When a cover letter is required, writers frequently make the mistake of using a one-size-fits-all introduction that mentions nothing about the specific journal or why this particular publication is the right home for their story. This lack of customization suggests a lack of research and genuine interest, making the editor wonder if you would bother reading their other submissions. Instead, craft a personalized letter that briefly highlights why your manuscript aligns with the journal's specific mission, themes, or recent issues. Mention a story or issue you admire and explain what aspects of your own work resonate with the magazine's aesthetic, proving that you have engaged deeply with their community. ### Technical Flaws That Undermine First Impressions Beyond the content of the manuscript itself, technical execution plays a massive role in how your work is perceived. Editors are inundated with submissions, and they often judge a manuscript's quality based on the first few lines of code or the presence of obvious formatting errors. A common technical mistake involves submitting a Word document with excessive tracking, unnecessary space between paragraphs, or an incorrect font that is not universally readable on screen. Furthermore, attaching a PDF that is poorly compressed or contains broken links can be a dealbreaker. Some writers also make the error of including the manuscript as a single massive attachment rather than splitting it into smaller files if the submission system requires it. Ensure your file is named clearly with your last name and the story title (e.g., "Smith_Jane_The_Wanderer.pdf"), and double-check that the text is selectable and the layout renders correctly before sending. These small details are often the difference between a story being read to the end and being archived in the "rejected" folder without a second glance. ## How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Submitting Fiction to Literary Journals Another subtle but significant mistake is submitting a story that contradicts the journal's current focus or recent published work. Literary magazines often have thematic issues, are currently looking for specific genres, or are actively soliciting certain types of narratives, such as short flashes, experimental prose, or stories dealing with specific historical periods. Ignoring these cues can lead to an immediate rejection before an editor even opens your file. Writers sometimes submit stories that are thematically opposite to what the journal is currently publishing, assuming their work will find a home regardless of the current roster. For instance, a journal currently featuring dark, dystopian sci-fi might politely reject a hopeful, lyrical fantasy piece because it does not fit the "voice" they are cultivating. Before submitting, browse the last ten issues of the journal to understand the prevailing tone and themes. Align your submission with this established trajectory to show that your work has been carefully curated to fit their existing ecosystem. ## Respect for Time and Communication Finally, many writers fail to respect the editors' time by submitting too many pieces in a short period or failing to follow up appropriately. While it is natural to want to keep the submission pipeline open, sending five manuscripts to the same journal within a week can appear desperate and overwhelming. Additionally, contacting an editor too soon after a submission or after a long period of silence without any indication of a timeline can seem intrusive. Always wait for the stated timeframe or the next issue's deadline before following up. If a journal does not have a clear submission window or a stated timeline, patience is key. By maintaining a respectful distance and understanding that the editorial process is rigorous and time-consuming, you demonstrate maturity and a genuine appreciation for the craft of editing. Remember that rejection is often a reflection of fit rather than a judgment of talent, and by avoiding these common pitfalls, you position yourself to make a lasting positive impression on the editors who hold your work in their hands. ## A Checklist for Success To ensure your submission is polished and ready, consider running through this final list of critical checks before hitting send. - Verify that you have read the entire submission guidelines, including word count and formatting rules. - Confirm that your manuscript is the correct file type (usually .docx or .pdf) and not an image. - Ensure your file name follows the requested convention, usually "Lastname_Firstname_Title.ext". - Check that all special characters are converted to standard ASCII if the journal requires it. - Proofread the cover letter for typos and ensure it is tailored to the specific journal. - Double-check that you have not exceeded the maximum number of attachments allowed. - Confirm that you are not submitting work that is currently under contract elsewhere. - Review the journal's recent issues to ensure your story thematically aligns with their current focus. - Ensure your manuscript is saved as a backup in case of accidental upload failure. - Respect the editorial timeline and do not contact them before the specified window closes. ## Related reading - [Why Independent Publishers Are a Great Place for Books](/articles/a-new-independent-publisher-great-place-books) - [How to Launch and Succeed with an International Literary Magazine](/articles/a-new-international-literary-magazine) - [Your Master Plan: A Step-by-Step Checklist for Self-Publishing a Novel in 2024](/articles/a-step-by-step-checklist-for-self-publishing-a-novel-in-2024) - [Your Master Plan: A Step-by-Step Checklist for Self-Publishing a Novel in 2024](/articles/a-step-by-step-checklist-for-self-publishing-a-novel-in-2024-2) - [The Strategic Roadmap to Agenting: A Step-by-Step Checklist for UK Literary Agents](/articles/a-step-by-step-checklist-for-submitting-your-manuscript-to-uk-literary-agents)