Tips on submitting your work

Choose the right publisher or agent. They specialise in certain types of writing and will not consider work outside their interests.

Approach them in the way they prefer. Some only accept submissions through an agent. Others may ask for an outline instead of a full article. Check their website or phone them to find out what they need.

Do not send your only copy. Always include a stamped reply envelope.

Keep your covering letter short and professional. Editors receive thousands of submissions and are mainly interested in the work itself.

Track your submissions. Record when and where you send each piece. This helps you avoid sending the same work twice and builds useful information about response times.

If an editor or agent is not interested, they are unlikely to explain why. They do not have time to give detailed feedback.

If someone shows interest - even if they do not accept the work - take it as a good sign. It means your writing is improving.

You can find a list of agents, publishers, magazines and other markets in The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook. Many libraries have a copy.

Page last updated: 4 November 2025