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As an emerging writer it is important for me to be submitting my work, to get myself out there—yes— but also to familiarize myself with the big ol’ world of literary journals.

The English Department houses four publications that students have the chance to submit to and/or intern for: two from the Poetry program Court Green and Columbia Poetry Review and two from the Nonfiction Program: Hotel Amerika and South Loop Review Creative Nonfiction + Art. I have had the opportunity to work for Hotel Amerika and South Loop Review, and both have added to my experience as a professional writer. I’ve also worked for a few years with 1913 Press/1913: a journal of forms and have gained a good deal of editorial experience, reading submissions, proofing galleys, and attending writing conferences.

I’ve also learned what not to do when submitting my own work. Here’s a handy list for those who are new to the submission world:

1. Your cover letter should not be on colored paper, scented paper, weird paper with coffee stains, handwritten postcards or loose-leaf notebook paper with the frilly edges.
2. More than likely, a headshot is not needed alongside your writing.
3. Don’t list every publication that you ever had since grade school. A poem published in middle school by the The Somewhereville Gazette from 1985 is just not a notable piece of work. And hey, if you’ve been published at a ton of really legit literary journals, that’s really cool too, but still, there’s really no need to list every single one of them.
4. Weird typewriter font: Don’t. Romantic cursive fonts: Don’t. Simple Times New Roman: Do. Baskerville: Do. Papyrus, Don’t. Don’t. Don’t.
5. Don’t forget your name, address, and contact information. You want to know if you got accepted, right?
6. Life stories. It’s wonderful that you have a dog, but how does that relate to the work you’re sending? Keep it brief—professional accomplishments, education, current career path. No one needs to know that you eat Fruit Loops in the morning.
7. Self addressed and stamped envelope. This is for snail mail rejections and acceptances. If there’s no envelope, there can be no response.

These are just a few tips I’ve picked up along the way, the Do’s and Dont’s that stick with me when I am submitting my own work. And, for new graduate students, most of whom are emerging writers, this is very valuable experience to have and knowledge to remember.

Here are a few of my favorite journals. Check them out!

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Some in print and some online: Versal, Fence, PANK, Shampoo, Coconut, eleven eleven, Seneca Review, DIAGRAM, Forklift, Ohio, Phoebe and Cutbank.