4 Tips To Gain Exposure & Build Your Portfolio

Discover ways to gain exposure and build your portfolio. Learn about opportunities to showcase your talent and gain recognition through literary magazines and contests.

“Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.’ Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.”  George Herbert

The journey of new authors can be both exhilarating and daunting at the same time. The publishing world has many aspects that can be confusing for new authors who may not know the best way to move forward. Learn how to navigate the publishing industry and achieve your writing goals with our guide.

Welcome to the seventh part of our 10-part series, created to guide new authors through the intricacies of the publishing world. In this article, we discuss the importance of gaining experience and building a portfolio by submitting your work to literary magazines and contests. These outlets provide opportunities for showcasing your writing talent to a wider audience, accumulating publication credits, and potentially earning awards and recognition.

We share tips on researching suitable publications and contests, emphasizing the importance of following submission guidelines, and offering advice on developing a system for tracking submissions. We also discuss how to learn from rejections and celebrate successes.

As you continue through this 10-part series, you’ll gain essential knowledge and resources to help you excel in your writing career.

Let’s dive into these helpful strategies.

Submitting your work to literary magazines and contests can be an effective way to gain exposure and experience. It can provide valuable feedback and help you develop your writing skills. It also helps you establish credibility within the publishing industry while building your portfolio.

Not only will this help build your writing resume, but it may also catch the attention of agents and publishers. Plus, there’s nothing quite like seeing your name in print to boost your confidence and your motivation.

Here’s how to make the most of these opportunities.

Research Suitable Publications & Contests

Not all literary magazines and contests will be the right fit for your work. To increase your chances of success, research and target those in your genre, style, and target audience. Some tips for finding suitable opportunities include the following.

• Use online databases: Websites such as Poets & Writers, Duotrope, and The Submission Grinder offer extensive databases of literary magazines and contests. These allow you to search and filter by genre, submission guidelines, and more.
• Consult writer’s market directories: Publications like Writer’s Market or Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market provide comprehensive listings of literary magazines, contests, and other publishing opportunities. These directories are often available at local libraries.
• Join writing groups and communities: Networking with other writers can help you discover new publications and contests, as well as provide insights into others’ experiences with specific outlets. See The Power of Writer’s Groups: Build Connections & Grow.

 

Follow Submission Guidelines

Each literary magazine and contest will have its own set of submission guidelines. The requirements may relate to format, word count, theme, or genre. To maximize your chances of success, it’s crucial to carefully read and follow these guidelines. For instance, format your work according to the specified requirements, such as font, spacing, and file type. Make sure your submission adheres to any word count or theme restrictions.

Remove any identifying information from your manuscript if the submission is anonymous. Not following this guideline will likely disqualify your entry. If requested, include a brief, professional cover letter and bio.

 

Develop a System for Tracking Submissions

Submitting your work to multiple literary magazines and contests can be time-consuming and complex. To stay organized and efficient, consider developing a system for tracking your submissions. Some authors create spreadsheets or databases. They record submission details, such as the publication or contest name, submission date, response date, and outcome.

Be sure to set reminders or calendar alerts for upcoming submission deadlines or follow-up actions. Also, record any feedback or comments received from editors or contest judges. It could be helpful for future submissions.

For more help growing your writing career, see Building a Strong Foundation: 5 Tips for New Authors.

 

Learn from Rejections & Celebrate Successes to Gain Exposure

Rejection is an inevitable part of the submission process. You should view those unfortunate experiences as learning opportunities. Coping with rejection and maximizing the value of your submission is part of the experience.

To take advantage of a rejection. Analyze any feedback received from editors or contest judges. Consider incorporating it into future revisions or submissions. View rejection as an opportunity for growth and use it as motivation to continue refining your craft and submitting your work.

Celebrate any successes. Receiving personalized feedback is a success. Being longlisted or shortlisted for a contest, or having your work accepted for publication are successes to celebrate.

I  once submitted a piece to a magazine without realizing I had left the placeholder title “Story TBD” on the manuscript. Surprisingly, they accepted it! They praised the “creative title.” The experience showed me the importance of attention to detail and embracing the unexpected.

 

Conclusion

Submitting your work to literary magazines and contests is a valuable strategy to gain exposure and build your portfolio as an aspiring author. When you research appropriate publications and contests, adhere to submission guidelines, develop a system for tracking your submissions, and learn from both rejections and successes, you’ll cultivate a strong foundation for your writing career.

As you progress through our ten-part series, you’ll continue to acquire valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the publishing world with confidence. Stay tuned for the next article, where we’ll discuss the advantages of considering self-publishing as an alternative route to sharing your work with readers.

Don’t wait. Start today!

How can we help? To let us know, please fill out our contact form. Happy writing!

 

Q1: How do I know if my work is ready to submit to literary magazines or contests?

A: Ensure your work has gone through multiple revisions, received feedback from critique partners or writing groups, and adheres to the specific submission guidelines of the literary magazine or contest.

 

Q2: What should I do if my work is rejected by a literary magazine or contest?

A: Analyze any feedback provided, revise your work if necessary, and continue submitting to other suitable publications and contests. Rejection is common in the industry, and persistence is key to success.

 

Q3: How can I find niche literary magazines or contests for my specific genre or style?

A: Use online resources, such as The Submission Grinder or Poets & Writers, to search for genre-specific literary magazines and contests. Joining writing organizations and networking with other writers can also help you discover suitable opportunities.