Finding Magazine Publications
Now that you know of some key resources for finding publications, where should you start? Poets&Writers.org has created an awesome database of literary magazines. They have made it very easy to search for magazines that accept the genre or subgenre you are working with! (If you prefer browsing through a book, try Writer's Market)
Make sure to pay attention to what materials the magazine editors are interested in publishing. Most magazines will have a description of 'who they are.' Read that description, read past issues, and pay attention to submission guidelines. Don't change your creative vision, but use these tactics to find the publication that fits who your writing style.
Now that you know how to search for magazines, check out the submission process page for further details on actually submitting work.
Now that you know how to search for magazines, check out the submission process page for further details on actually submitting work.
Finding Small Press Publishers
Every area has local publishers and small presses that aren't well known and often aren't included in the most commonly used resources. Small presses often have a narrower focus than large publishers, but that can work to your advantage if your writing fits into their specialty. Finding small presses can be a lot of work, but well worth it if your work finds a publisher!
To start, look in your yellow pages under "publishing" or "press" and keep your ears and eyes open. Many small presses participate in conferences and expos or belong to associations such as the Small Publisher's Association of America. Poets&Writers also has a database of small press publishers with more than 250 listings, similar to their magazine database. Once you learn to pay attention you'll be surprised at what you'll hear and find. Here are a few small presses and publishers in the state of Michigan:
Arbutus Press - Fiction and Nonfiction related to Michigan. Located in Traverse City, MI
Cherry Tree Press - Children's Books. Located near Traverse City, MI
Midwestern Gothic and MG Press- work about or inspired by the Midwest. Located in Ann Arbor, MI.
Horseless Press- Products include a journal, pamphlets, chapbooks, as well as bound books. Located in Grand Rapids, MI
To start, look in your yellow pages under "publishing" or "press" and keep your ears and eyes open. Many small presses participate in conferences and expos or belong to associations such as the Small Publisher's Association of America. Poets&Writers also has a database of small press publishers with more than 250 listings, similar to their magazine database. Once you learn to pay attention you'll be surprised at what you'll hear and find. Here are a few small presses and publishers in the state of Michigan:
Arbutus Press - Fiction and Nonfiction related to Michigan. Located in Traverse City, MI
Cherry Tree Press - Children's Books. Located near Traverse City, MI
Midwestern Gothic and MG Press- work about or inspired by the Midwest. Located in Ann Arbor, MI.
Horseless Press- Products include a journal, pamphlets, chapbooks, as well as bound books. Located in Grand Rapids, MI