Top Tips for Drumlin Reader/Publisher Submissions and AcceptanceSubmitting work to a small press or literary magazine like Drumlin (Reader/Publisher) requires more than talent — it needs strategy, professionalism, and persistence. The following guide walks you through practical, actionable tips to increase the chance your submission will be read, considered, and accepted. This is aimed at writers and editors seeking publication or to work with Drumlin-style independent presses and literary journals.
Understand the publication
- Research the magazine/publisher: Read recent issues and back issues to learn the tone, themes, and preferred forms (poetry, short fiction, essays, hybrid work). Familiarity helps you target your strongest, most relevant pieces.
- Know submission windows and guidelines: Many small presses run occasional open calls or themed issues. Follow their calendar and rules precisely (file formats, word counts, simultaneous submissions policy, cover letters).
Prepare your work to professional standards
- Polish your manuscript: Multiple revisions and proofreading reduce errors that can sink a submission. Consider professional editing or trusted critique partners.
- Format correctly: Use standard manuscript formatting (12‑pt serif font like Times New Roman or Garamond, double-spaced for prose, single-spaced for poetry unless otherwise requested). Include a header with your name and page numbers where appropriate.
- Follow word/count limits: Editors often reject pieces that ignore stated limits. Trim or expand as needed before submitting.
Craft a strong cover letter and bio
- Be concise and professional: A brief cover letter (2–4 sentences) that states the piece title, form (poem/essay/short story), whether it’s a simultaneous submission, and any relevant publishing credits.
- Include a short bio: One or two lines about your most relevant credits or your writing background — nothing promotional or exhaustive.
- Avoid unnecessary personal details: Editors want to know your writing credentials, not your life story.
Target the right pieces
- Match tone and theme: Send pieces that fit the magazine’s voice and recent content. If Drumlin publishes lyrical, place-based essays, a dense experimental manifesto might be a poor fit.
- Lead with your strongest work: If submitting multiple pieces, place the best one first. Editors often stop after reading the first piece that doesn’t engage them.
- Consider exclusive vs. simultaneous submissions: If a publication requests exclusivity, decide whether the exposure is worth the wait. Simultaneous submissions can speed placement but withdraw promptly if accepted elsewhere.
Make your first pages count
- Hook in the opening lines: First impressions matter. For fiction, start near the inciting incident or a compelling moment. For essays, open with a vivid detail, question, or clear premise. For poetry, sequence drafts so the best poems appear early in a packet.
- Avoid over-explaining: Show more than you tell. Let imagery, action, and distinct voice do the work.
Be mindful of editorial expectations
- Respect editorial vision: Small presses often have a mission or editorial stance; align with it where possible.
- Expect thoughtful rejections: Many rejections are brief. If you receive feedback, take it in stride — it’s more than most writers get.
- Respond professionally to acceptance: If accepted, clarify rights, editing timeline, and any changes requested. Be prompt and courteous in communications.
Build relationships (without being pushy)
- Attend readings and events: If Drumlin or related presses host events, participate to meet editors and contributors. In-person familiarity can help your name be recognized.
- Engage on social media thoughtfully: Follow the magazine, share their calls for submissions, and celebrate their publications—don’t spam inboxes.
- Network with contributors: Peers can offer advice on how the magazine approaches submissions and edits.
Manage submissions strategically
- Track submissions: Use a simple spreadsheet with title, date submitted, simultaneous status, and responses. This prevents accidental simultaneous-publication problems and helps measure response times.
- Set realistic expectations: Small presses have limited staff and usually slower reply times. Wait the stated response time before following up.
- Learn from rejections: Revisit declined pieces with fresh eyes; sometimes a rewrite or different placement is the key.
Improve visibility and credibility
- Publish elsewhere: A growing list of credits strengthens your CV and signals experience to editors.
- Curate a clean author page: Maintain a simple, up-to-date website or portfolio with publication credits and contact info — a clean presence helps editors verify credentials.
- Submit to themed issues and contests: Contests or guest-editor issues sometimes offer faster feedback or curated exposure.
Specific tips for poetry submissions
- Sequence matters: Order poems so the strongest appear early and pace the reader with tonal or formal variety.
- Avoid large batches: Many editors prefer 3–10 poems rather than 20+. Check guidelines.
- Provide context when useful: If submitting a themed set, a brief note can help frame the sequence.
Specific tips for fiction and nonfiction
- Craft a compelling opening paragraph: For both genres, start where something is at stake.
- Showcase voice and structure: Concision and narrative clarity matter; avoid convoluted timelines or unclear stakes.
- Use credible research: If your nonfiction relies on facts, cite or note sources when relevant; accuracy builds trust.
Handling rights, edits, and publication
- Read contracts carefully: Small presses often request first North American serial rights or non-exclusive rights. Know what you agree to and for how long.
- Negotiate respectfully: If a clause is unclear, ask for clarification; most small presses are flexible and open to discussion.
- Credit and copies: Confirm how you’ll be credited and request contributor copies or links for promotion.
Final checklist before submitting
- Confirm you meet the submission guidelines (format, length, cover letter).
- Proofread and polish; eliminate typos and awkward phrasing.
- Verify simultaneous submission policy and disclose appropriately.
- Prepare a brief, professional cover letter and updated bio.
- Track the submission in your tracker and note the expected response time.
Acceptance at a respected independent like Drumlin is a mix of craft, fit, and professionalism. Keep submitting, revise with intention, and treat the process as both a learning curve and a long-term relationship with editors and readers.
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