Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Spread the joy of submission networking

Last week, Heidi asked me to share some ways I search the Internet for submission possibilities. I don't really do a ton of that because mostly I use networking.

So this week I thought I'd throw a little networking party. Most of what I will share will be for the beginner writer who wants to build some clips but maybe some seasoned writers will also want to jump in as well.

Each day, I'll post a place where I've been published and a sample blurb of what was accepted--you can skim that part if you want--but it might be helpful to see what the editor accepted.

What I hope through these posts, is some of the other writers who visit here will also share some places they've been accepted to and offer us a glimpse of what is needed. That's your party invitation!

So today . . .I'm posting about Hearts at Home. a magazine for moms and the place that accepted my first story. (I'm making it easy for you as I've highlighted the writer guideline pages.) They don't pay except in copies but they do publish anthologies now and then and their magazine is quality.

Here's my blurb:

Yellow was my daughter's favorite color. It was one of those trivial facts I'd included in an e-mail when we were preparing our house for a move. Someone had remembered and stored away the tidbit for such a time as this: my daughter's eighteenth birthday in a brand-new city and a brand-new state. Delivered to our door, the mums brightened my daughter's day as much as the sunbeams shining into our partially furnished living room. Someone had remembered a girl who had not yet made any special friends with whom to share her day. Someone had remembered and they sent flowers in her favorite color.
I peeked at the gift card and was sweetly surprised by the greeting. The flowers were from my Internet friend, Lori. She'd heard my plea for my daughter and had responded in a way she knew would touch my child. . .

Now keep in mind-- I wrote this article three years ago (and knew nothing about active or passive) but it was my first and they have since accepted another one to be published this spring.

Hoping many of you who have a story will submit!

9 comments:

Kathryn Magendie said...

I use Duotrope Digest a lot - they have a submissions tracker that works well for me *smiling*

Thanks for stopping by the YOG and leaving a comment--I feel very lucky to live here!

Janna Leadbetter said...

This is a great idea, Terri! I'll definitely be checking out your suggestions.

Unknown said...

It's so nice of you to share information with others! But that's the bloggy world ... full of warm and generous people!

BTW ... loved your story!

Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com

Melissa Amateis said...

Terri - What an awesome idea, to share your "submission network." I have some little articles and essays that I'd like to find a home for, so I'll definitely be following your posts. :-)

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing. I am heading over to the writer's guidelines right now.

Thanks!

Kasie West said...

I love your little blurb. That was so sweet. It touched my heart. Thanks for your help with possible submission places. I wish I had something to add to the list, but still working on that. :)

Stonefox said...

Terri, this is great! Thanks!

Vickie said...

Terri what a neat idea. Very kind of you to share your submission info. thank you. Now that my laptop is working again, I will definitely check out some of what you share.

Sorry I don't have anything to offer at the moment.

Blessings,
Vickie

Angie Ledbetter said...

May all the sharing you do here come back in multiple to you! Funny, I've got a few similar things posted today too, and I'm just now reading yours!

I encourage readers to look over The Rose & Thorn Literary e-zine's guidelines too. Always seeking great poetry, essays, prose, etc. The newest newsletter just came out yesterday (it's free to sign up!) and it's always full of hot tips and calls for submission. I dearly love being a Co-managing editor there. http://www.theroseandthornezine.com/ The R&T blog has neat editor tips and tidbits too.