Here are the three biggest mistakes people make when submitting content for publication. Avoid these common submission errors :
1. Not Following Submission Guidelines
The first submission error is not following directions.
Adhering to submission guidelines helps increase the chance of them publishing your work. Each deviation lessens the likelihood of success.
Common mistakes include missing deadlines (a huge no-no), submitting content not accepted by the publication, and having a piece that’s the wrong length. Too many writers ignore the directions for submissions.
2. Not Proofreading Their Work
The second submission mistake is not proofreading their submission.
Most editors will overlook an error or two, but when it’s clear that the author never even ran spellcheck, it’s obvious they haven’t bothered to send their best work, and they expect me to clean it up. Sometimes I don’t have the time, but it always irritates me,
3. Not Adhering to Writing Conventions
The third submission error is using non-standard formatting.
Some writers must think that creative formatting equals creative writing. It does not. They use odd fonts or switch fonts within the piece, various point sizes, multiple colors, and lots of bold, italics, underline, all three, and ALL CAPS.
All these things require work to clean up. Make it simple for editors by submitting a clean copy with no embellished formatting.
To have the best chance of success, avoid these common submission errors.
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.
