About mag. subs.

Rivana · Dec 5, 2006

So, ok...I'm a poet right? Not very good with the whole professional thing. Anyway, just how are you supposed to send your poems out to magazines?

Cuz my letters usually read something like this:

Hello,
My name is x, I'm x years old and from x. I'm sending you three pieces of poetry: x (x lines), x (x lines) and x (x lines), attached in an msword file.
One of the poems is fairly long, but I hope you'll enjoy it.
Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Tessa

Address info:

Bio info:

Is that fine, or should I be, I don't know -more polite or something?

Rhymer · Dec 5, 2006

Hi Rivana

Here's all the advice I've got.

Always find the poetry guidelines and follow them. Read other work that has been published at the magazine to make sure your work is a good match to what they are looking for.

This is how I write the letter,

Name
Mailing Address
Phone Number
Email Address

Dear Mr. Whoever,

I am submitting five poems for your consideration. My poetry has been published in Such in such, and Blah Blah Magazine. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Full name

If you don’t have anything published you could add to your letter by telling them what you enjoy about their magazine. You could also say that it is a simultaneous submission if it is one.

I never get into personal details, like age, not unless they request a bio. I wouldn’t say my poem is long or I hope you’ll like it, because it shows a tiny bit of self doubt, and you should assume they will like it (because you're so awesome). Keep it short, to the point, and professional. Only include a bio if they request it. This is what has worked for me anyway, if there is a better way than someone let me know, as I’m always working to improve.

When I first started mailing editors I’d say, Hi, I’m a new writer, I’m looking to gain experience, and then I’d ask them what they think or for advice. I never had a single reply from an editor until I learned how to be a bit more professional in my approach.

Good Luck!

Rivana · Dec 5, 2006

Just the kind of advice I was looking for. Thanks. ^o^

Rhymer · Dec 6, 2006

I found this great information this morning, hope the link works.

http://www.sff.net/people/neile/how.to.sell.poetry.htp#poemprep

veinglory · Dec 6, 2006

It really doesn't matter too much what the letter says if it follows their guidlines to the letter. If in doubt, less is better. I approach it like this:

Dear Mr or Mrs Blah (or Dear Poetry Editor, Blah Magazine)

Please accept the attached poetry set as a submission to Blah Magazine.

warmest Regards

Name (writing as Pen Name)
Address

Rivana · Dec 6, 2006

Thanks guys. ^o^

Ultra · Dec 6, 2006

As an editor, I hate when I don't get a bio statement.

However, I also hate when the bio statement is lame-o and jokey. I'm trying to run a magazine with a sense of humor, sure, but the work needs to speak for itself.

A simple listing of where your poetry has appeared is great. If you don't have publishing experience, no need to broadcast that fact; just tell me where you live and what you do for a living, and I'm happy.

Rivana · Dec 7, 2006

All right, thank for that as well. ^o^ I guess no matter which way you go no one is ever going to like you 100% of the time. I try following the guidelines, but it's the stuff that's not on the guidelines, that you're just supposed to 'know' that confuses me.

Paint · Dec 7, 2006

My letter is a lot like Veinglories, however I do include a very brief bio after the poetry, etc. You have to follow the guidelines or your letter may be pitched immediately. You can google "How to write a query letter" and get some samples.
Jenna has a great book "How to Make a Living as a Freelance Writer." Hope I got that title right, I don't have the book at hand. It really helped me with being proffessional, which totally counts by the way. Good Luck!
Paint

Shiraz · Dec 7, 2006

Something to this effect has been the most successful for my submissions, Rivana - short and sweet:

Dear Editor (or fill-in-the-blank here)

Please accept the enclosed (following, or attached) poem(s) submitted for publication in ________.

My work has been featured in __________________ .

Thank you for taking the time to consider this piece. I hope you find it a good fit for your magazine. Please let me know if there is anything else you need.

Regards,

.......

Hope this is additional help. Good luck to you!

Rivana · Dec 7, 2006

Thanks. ^o^

About mag. subs.

Rivana

Walks in the shades.

Rhymer

Rivana

Walks in the shades.

Rhymer

veinglory

volitare nequeo

Rivana

Walks in the shades.

Ultra

Rivana

Walks in the shades.

Paint

Warrior of Truth

Shiraz

New kid, be gentle!

Rivana

Walks in the shades.