Some Etiquette for Writers Submitting Work to Publications

Long ago and far away, well, not far away, when I was starting to send stories and poems to magazine publishers, I would buy a copy of Writer's Market, which mostly listed every magazine and a brief note of what the publishers were looking for: poetry, fictions, memoir, etc. Nowadays such a list could be presented online, and it is in some form, through Duotrope, Chill Subs, and Submittable (in the Discover section, on log-in only), to name a few. 

A list is helpful, but what I really appreciated about the old hard copy of Writer's Market, was that it had articles about the etiquette of submitting work. Etiquette is not a word one hears these days, but it sure makes an editor's job easier and less stressful. If what I receive for submissions for Star 82 Review is any indication, not so many people want to read guidelines, so I will be brief. Here are five suggested Do's and Don'ts (with commentary) for writers offering their works to be considered to magazines.

DO

1. Read and follow any and all guidelines (if you read mine, I'll be happier to read yours)
2. Address the editor by name (there is usually a masthead or an About page that will list this)
3. Withdraw your piece immediately if accepted elsewhere (so frustrating to finally want to accept a piece only the have the writer say, sorry, it's taken)
4. Research the magazine to see if the subject you are writing about is in line with what the magazine publishes (many do not want violence, sex, or cruelty of any kind, not to mention so many other things)
5. Check your spam for a reply if you don't hear after the stated time (many email filters misdirect these emails)

DON'T

1. Withdraw work because you think you made a mistake (if the piece is accepted you can point it out then)
2. Ask for comments or suggestions (most editors work for love, not money, and cannot respond personally to every piece that appears; many, like me, offer a comment service for a fee: mine is Editor's Eye)
3. Write to inquire if the editor has read the piece yet (Please, just wait, and see #3 of DO, above)
4. Include attachments, unusual fonts, or unconventional formats (unless the editor and guidelines asks for them)
5. Include work by other people within your submission unless it is an erasure or you have their permission to do so (and do send their bio as well, if asked)

Thanks for reading! Feel free to send work to Star 82 Review. I read year round. Here are the guidelines. Art is most welcome also!