To this recommendation, Paula Cappa wrote: 'My question is how does a serious writer break into literary magazines without writing or academic credentials already established? Would you be able to give us a few names of lit magazines that you know to be open to new writers who don't have MFAs or a list of previously published short stories?'
Canadian literary magazines that are open to new writers who don't have MFAs or a list of previously published short stories...
The Fiddlehead
From their website: 'Work is read on an on going basis, the acceptance is rate is around 1-2%'
Welcomes international submitters.
The Antigonish Review
Welcomes international submitters.
The Malahat Review
From their website: 'It publishers poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction by new and established writers mostly from Canada as well as reviews of Canadian books, and the best writing from abroad.'
Room
From their website: '[P]ublishes orriginal work by women.'
Prism International
Welcomes international submitters.
The New Quarterly
From their website: 'Please be advised that we only publish writing by Canadian citizens (whether living at home or abroad) and landed immigrants.'
Geist
From their website: 'We publish work from Canadian writers, or pieces that have a distinct connection to Canada and Canadian culture.'
Grain
From their website: '[I]internationally acclaimed literary journal that publishes engaging, surprising, eclectic, and challenging writing and art by Canadian and international writers and artists.'
Prairie Fire
Welcomes international submitters.
Capilano Review
Welcomes international submitters.
All of these journals pay contributors. Last year, I submitted a manuscript to each of these journals -- at least one, some more than one. I haven't been published, yet -- but I've come close.
Submitting to literary magazines is like dating. You need to have fun, be polite, get to know each other -- not all of them will be a good fit, but you will met some really nice people.
Sharing my author journey...
Sometimes life can led you on a curvy road...
First bend: After a short break, I rolled up my sleeves and dived back into preparing manuscripts for submission to publishers. Most of these submissions were straight forward -- a short blurb about the project and my bio. But one required more (Who was my intended audience? What are my plans concerning marketing and promotion? etc.)
Second bend: I'm a Google Plus fan. If you keep my eyes open, I found that it is a very helpful tool. Case-in-point, Zee Southcombe's message regarding Writer Platform's article on marketing -- 2 Must-Dos to Make Your Book Marketing Infinitely Easier. This article breaks marketing down two questions: Why did I write this? Who did I write this for? (I'll write more about this soon.)
Third bend: On her blog, Laurie Buchanan asked, do you have a focus word this year?
And I thought, What is my focus word? Focus?
