Getting Published - Your Article Submission Checklist

Your Article Submission Checklist

When you hand your piece over to an editor, the first impression you create can be as decisive as the content itself. The industry is crowded: dozens of writers push the same stories, and editors sift through hundreds of submissions each week. Your goal is to make the process feel effortless for them and to show that you already understand the small rules that keep articles flowing smoothly from inbox to print. Below is a practical, step‑by‑step guide that covers the most common hurdles and explains how to avoid them. Read through it, then follow the action items as you prepare your next submission.

### 1. Polish Your Language to Perfection

A single typo can turn an otherwise compelling narrative into a source of embarrassment for both you and the editor. Even if you rely on spell check, set aside time to proofread manually. Focus on homophones - there/they’re/their, your/you’re, its/it’s - because the software rarely flags them. Read your draft aloud; hearing words in sequence often surfaces misplaced apostrophes and other subtle mistakes. A final pass with a fresh eye or a second pair of hands can catch errors you glossed over while you were absorbed in the story’s arc.

### 2. Break Your Text into Manageable Chunks

Editors skim rather than read line by line. Long, uninterrupted paragraphs give the impression of a dense, hard‑to‑digest article and discourage quick glances. Aim for two to three sentences per paragraph, keeping each one centered on a single idea. If you’re discussing a complex concept, start a new paragraph at the first clear break in the narrative. By doing this, you create natural pauses that guide the reader through the argument and increase the likelihood that the editor will see every key point.

### 3. Keep Sentences Lean and Impactful

Wordiness can dilute meaning and erode reader interest. After you finish drafting, go back through your text and delete any filler words - “very,” “really,” “just,” “actually” - unless they serve a specific nuance. Look for repeated information or redundant phrases; if two sentences say the same thing, combine them or remove one. A concise sentence with a clear subject, verb, and object is usually stronger than a long, winding one. Editors appreciate clarity because it shortens their own review time.

### 4. Show, Don’t Tell Your Credibility

Readers trust articles that demonstrate expertise rather than boast about the author. If you must weave your background into the story, use it to illustrate a point: “After ten years troubleshooting server failures, I learned that….” Avoid phrases that directly market yourself or a product. Instead, describe a problem, walk through the solution, and let the results speak for themselves. The by‑line or a short bio at the end can carry the additional context if the editor wants more detail.

### 5. Respect the “About the Author” Length Limit

Most publications cap the author bio at six lines, sometimes less. A concise bio that includes your current role, relevant credentials, and a quick link to your professional site or portfolio is enough. If you’re offering a longer narrative, consider attaching it as a separate file or publishing it on your own site and providing a link. Keep the main submission free of extra material that could trigger formatting requests.

### 6. Stick to the Plain‑Text Format

The standard for many electronic magazines is a plain‑text file, hard‑wrapped at 60–65 characters per line. This ensures your article appears exactly as you intended, regardless of the editor’s word‑processor. Avoid embedded HTML tags, excessive line breaks, or special characters that can become garbled. If your article contains lists or tables, use simple dashes or numbers to separate items. By delivering a clean, predictable format, you eliminate one source of friction in the editorial workflow.

### 7. Copy the Article into the Email Body

Attachments carry a double threat: the editor must open them, which many skip, and they often trigger security warnings that result in automatic deletion. Paste your content directly into the email body, placing a brief note in the opening line: “Please find my article, “Title,” below.” This approach gives the editor instant access and signals that you’re mindful of their time constraints.

### 8. Avoid Duplicate Submissions from the Same Domain

Submitting several copies of the same piece - whether from Gmail, Yahoo, or a custom domain - can frustrate editors and reduce your chances of acceptance. Double‑check that you’re sending only one version, and if you must send a revised draft, reference the original submission in your message. A tidy, single file keeps the process streamlined and shows you respect the editor’s workflow.

### 9. Stay Humble About the Value of Your Piece

Begin your email with a respectful greeting and an acknowledgment of the editor’s workload. Skip grandiose statements that your article is the best thing ever. Instead, give a concise, honest preview: “I’ve tackled the topic of X and believe the angle will resonate with your readership.” A humble tone coupled with a clear, factual pitch demonstrates professionalism and sets the right tone for collaboration.

By treating the editorial process as a two‑way conversation and applying these practical steps, you increase the likelihood that your article will land on the desk rather than in the junk folder. Remember that each element - spelling, formatting, tone, and presentation - serves the same purpose: to make it as easy as possible for the editor to accept your work. Follow this checklist, refine your submissions, and watch your publishing opportunities grow.