- 1). Edit and proofread the work prior to submitting it for publication. Check for correct grammar, consistency, organization, and spelling. Make sure that these mechanics are flawless, as they will be closely inspected by the publishers.
- 2). Find a market for your work. Look through your favorite magazines or online web pages to narrow down your options regarding who you would like to send your work to. Many writers looking to get published for the first time send their work to various magazines or web sites that relate to the subject they have written about.
- 3). Decide in what medium you would like your work to appear. With the rise of technology, electronic and web-based publications are becoming increasingly popular. Hard-copy publications are also available and sometimes preferred by writers who are submitting their work. It is your choice what kind of publication you would like to send your work to. Some writers prefer to have their work showcased in a glossy, hard-copy magazine.
- 4). Find and read the company's guidelines and policies for accepting submissions. Every company has its own rules and specifications, and if you follow them closely, you'll increase your chances of being published. Always be aware of the company's or the editor's preferences. For example, if the editor wants the document emailed in plain-text, don't email it in HTML.
- 5). Pick what you believe is your best piece of work and submit it. Editors have a difficult time sorting and reading through multiple submissions, so don't bombard them with numerous documents. Before sending anything, however, never plagiarize! Not only will this give you a life-long reputation in the writing world as a plagiarist, it will also become a major obstacle to publishing any of your work in the future.
- 6). Wait at least two months before sending any inquiries to the company after you have submitted your work. It is not professional or courteous to constantly ask whether your work was rejected or accepted. Give the company and the editors ample time to review your work and make a decision.
- 7). Send a professional letter or email to the company and ask about your submission after two months. Make sure to include enough information such as dates and relevant contact information that will remind the company of your submission. If you don't get an answer after your inquiry, send another similar letter. If no answers arrive after this time, consider that your work was rejected and don't send further inquiries about the matter.
- 8). Read through any contracts and clauses if your work was accepted. This is especially important if you are being compensated for your work. When money is involved, never exaggerate the price for your work, but never underestimate the cost either. Instead, agree on a balanced price that is appropriate for the type of work you have done. Always read through the exclusivity clauses and understand your rights and ownership---or the policies of the company that now has your work.
- 9). Keep in contact with the company to find the exact date when your work will be published and where you can see the printed version. Never over-communicate or harass the company if the printing is taking longer than you expected. Just as before, give them ample time and only send inquiries if a sufficient time has passed.
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