Answer: Your best shot at publication with that company. Remember that Writers' Guidelines are not just a preference. Editors are looking for something specific and to be considered for their publication, it is in your best interest to follow the guidelines to the letter.
When I submitted my work, I created checklists based on the Writers' Guidelines. After my manuscript had been through the critique group a few times, I ran down the checklist and marked off each requirement.
Not every manuscript ended up as an acceptance, but it certainly made sure it was considered and not tossed on a technicality.
So remember, one key to publication is following those guidelines.
Okay, now that I have your attention, what were you thinking when you read that line above? No, what? Don't do what? Why? What does that have to do with the title?
When you approach an editor with your manuscript you want it to stand out above the others. Open with a bang to grab that editor's attention. Remember the key is to get their attention so they'll want to read more. A great way to do this is opening with lines filled with emotion, as done above. Maybe the line you use is suspenseful. Maybe it asks a curious science question. All these should grab the editor's attention and they will want to read more.
Once you've gotten that far, it's up to you to follow through. Keep that story interesting. Make that article answer fun questions or provide amazing facts. If you make your manuscript stand out, you have a good chance of keeping the editor's attention. And that is definitely a great start.
You finished that wonderful manuscript, the story you've been working relentlessly on for months. Before wrapping it up with a cover letter and submission package, be sure it's really ready to be submitted to editors. Is it free from spelling and grammar errors? Is the format correct? Does it follow the Writer Guidelines? Is the piece age-appropriate for your audience?
As editor of My Light Magazine, I've come across promising manuscripts, yet had to reject them based on the above criteria. Don't let all that hard work go to waste. Be sure it's ready to meet an editor and an editor's expectations.
I'm starting a new series on my blog called Jen's Writing Tips. I am still learning along with all the other authors, as we all are constantly learning and growing. The purpose is to help others achieve their writing goals.Each post in the series will hopefully give you something to think about on your next project. Enjoy and good luck! Feel free to leave a comment after any of the posts. Readers may appreciate the feedback.
Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The February issue of My Light Magazine is now available at http://mylightmagazine.com/ We have wonderful stories, poems, activities and articles to share with you. Don't miss out on our new feature this month - Light Beams. We've received many compliments from our readers and contributors about the magazine. As a thank you, we created a section to showcase some of these comments. If you have something you'd like to share with us, e-mail me at editor@mylightmagazine.com and put "Light Beams" in the subject line.
We also have an updated list of ideas for topics we'd like to see covered in My Light. Click here to see the list. These are our preferred topics. Of course, we consider submissions that reflect our Catholic values as well. However these topics will help our children become more familiar with our faith.
Don't miss out on Candace J. Hardy's latest edition of the paper dolls. As always, she's done a great job and the dolls look like fun!
This issue is also the first one done with full help from our new Illustrator Coordinator, Carol Brooke. My Light will benefit greatly from Carol's sense of color and layout. My Light would not be possible without the help from all our contributors and staff.
The new issue of My Light Magazine is up at http://mylightmagazine.com . We have a new addition to the My Light team this month. Her name is Carol Brooke and she is our new Illustrator Coordinator. She will match manuscripts with illustrators and review illustration submissions ( if you'd like to send a sample and help out as an illustrator, please send 3 samples and a cover letter to carolbrooke@mylightmagazine.com .) She has been a tremendous help already. We look forward to working with her.
The new issue of My Light includes an interview with Carol Brooke. Please visit http://mylightmagazine.com and click on Meet Carol Brooke to learn more about her. As always, thank you for reading My Light Magazine.
Pennsylvania (January 2, 2009)– My Light Magazine, a Catholic centered online magazine for children, announces a new member of the My Light Team. The Magazine named contributor and illustrator Carol Brooke as the Illustrator Coordinator. She will assist in matching up authors and illustrators for manuscripts published in My Light.
She is currently an author and illustrator for children. In addition, she works as a counselor and holds a Masters of Science in Counseling degree. She has extended experience in working with children, including running her own classroom as a teacher.
Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Gladen is thrilled to welcome Carol Brooke to the My Light Team. “Her enthusiasm for the magazine will be a great asset in continuing the mission of My Light.”
Mrs. Brooke is just as excited to join My Light Magazine. “I am happy that the magazine is growing and I'm so excited to be a part of it!”
My Light Magazine looks forward to working with Carol Brooke. She can be reached via her email at CarolBrooke@mylightmagazine.com .
