17 Comments

Good piece, but I have a slightly different take on literary mags:

https://jmelliott.substack.com/p/why-publication-credits-shouldnt

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Thank you! Will certainly take a look! xo Mary

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Fabulously useful post, thanks Mary!

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That is so kind, Ashley! So grateful here and xo.

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You are very welcome. I'm a 65 year-old former ad writer/creative director trying to kickstart an encore life writing fiction, so resources are solid gold.

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Ashley, I have a sense that the other guest post I did this week could both encourage and help you. It's here: https://moviewise.substack.com/p/the-secrets-of-happiness Also cool site.

I'll likely mention today's guest post and that one in my post for Thursday on "Only connect ...", too. Thank you so much for subscribing--there's more help for you on "Write it! How to get started"--and most of those posts are FREE--small fee for part of the 10--then all are free. No matter what you decide about that, let's stay in touch. I can help! xo Mary

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This is important for new writers because it helps them to understand that being published in a press like The New Yorker or Atlantic isn't the only indication of quality writing or success. Every publication, large or small, has their own set of criteria. You just might not be a good fit for them, and that's okay. Also, I tend to focus on the audience and not the publisher. You can reach a different group of readers through some of the smaller presses, who are just as dedicated to supporting new voices. It's not always a volume game. Focus on writing fiction that people want to read and the rest will eventually follow.

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So, agree--and so well-expressed. xo Mary

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An excellent resource, thank you.

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How kind, 💕.

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Wow! Impressive list! I've heard anecdotes, but never seen anything remotely like this compilation. Terrific post - thanks!

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So kind. Lot of research. Thank you, good sir? soul?

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It’s true about literary magazines and journals. I have a few dozen published stories. But it seems like nowadays it’s getting harder and harder to write honestly. It seems more and more like journals are rewarding ideology and agendas versus serious art. I think that’s why so many writers are turning to Substack; it’s a rare refuge for actual writing.

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If that's true, Michael--I'm currently submitting a new short story that doesn't fit the model you describe--we will have lost a key source for serious art. I've not put this story on Substack because I wouldn't be able to then send it out to a lit magazine. Your point is well taken. We need lists of mags with agendas based on ideology. I thank you so for this comment that deserves research. I, like you, have many stories published in lit magazines, most recently in Story Magazine in 2019 and in Catamaran Literary Reader in 2020, neither driven by ideology or agenda. I hope you will stay in touch and thank you for writing this important comment. xo Mary

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Cheers! Thank you :) I wrote you back on your SS page :)

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Thanks, Mary! Excellent post today. All writers need encouragement and examples like you shared.

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Mark, Means so much for you to say that. xo ~ Mary

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