Mistakes You're Making That Screw Your Writing Career: Ways You Can Undo Them and Get Published

Here’s what I have to say about some moves I see folks making that may cause setbacks on their writing paths. But, luckily, it doesn’t mean the end…take a look at the following tips to help get you back on track and moving forward.

Not Submitting to Competitive Journals 

The way to success is to aim high. Here’s a photo example of what my Submittable account looks like at any given time. You’ll start to see results when you broaden the scope of your submissions.

I always tell my mentees to submit to a good mix: top tier, middle tier, and smaller journals and presses. Listen, I could scroll through a whole slew of rejections I had to muddle through before that New Yorker acceptance came in, people. 

Plus, the more you submit the stronger your submitting chops are becoming. Your name is sticking to the walls of the minds of readers. You’re doing the necessary work.

Publishing with Unsupportive Presses

So often I see poets putting together and publishing chapbooks with unsupportive presses—meaning they do very little to help guide you through the process or don’t have the resources or funding. 

Publishing individual poems in excellent journals is even better—oftentimes you’ll get even more attention and networking possibilities. Don’t be afraid to ask some of your peers or favorite writers where they have published and what their experiences have been. 

Failure to Network and Keep Up Social Media

Social media and networking in general is so important to succeed in the publishing world. In reality, it’s pretty much imperative for any business these days—from a new café to any solo entrepreneur. 

I always suggest keeping active platforms on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook if you find your community active on any of those. Once you start up these platforms, try to keep up with a posting schedule that fits your lifestyle—whether it be 2-3 posts per week or month—as long as it’s consistent. 

One last note I’ll leave under this category is don’t forget to interact with other folks’ content! Remember, you’re building a community around you and the only way to support that community is to build each other up in a communal way. So don’t forget those likes, comments, saves, shares. 

Being Entitled, Whiney, Arrogant, or Mean

Maybe in the 1970’s or 80’s people went around being rude to each other in order to gain upwards mobility. Today that is not the way you navigate the literary scene! The writing world seeks compassion and kindness towards others—focus on treating those around you well and the same will come to you.

Publishing Too Much, Too Quickly 

This is a quick career-ender. I see this happening all too often with younger writers—they gain a sizable amount of traction very quickly and then burn out or get quickly forgotten. Instead, focus your efforts on something more longterm. A steady and consistent rate is better than a quick zap and fizzle. Take your time. You have it. 

Not taking risks

That being said…do take risks! This links back to aiming high. Worst case scenario whatever you applied to or pitched doesn’t work out. That’s ok, move on. Move on to the next one. One of my mentors, a highly successful poet today, once told me that they applied for the Guggenheim Fellowship 11 times before receiving it! 11 times! Each time they submitted, that was a risk worth taking. Be persistent. 

Not Giving Back 

Linking back towards building community: you’re cultivating it and it will take care of you once you do so. So not only does that mean building those up around you, it also means taking part in workshops, conferences, etc. Be active and participate. You’ll find it has a reciprocating effect. 

Those are my tips for success! Best of luck!