How to Ensure Your Submission Makes the Reading Cut

Mar 9, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Mar 10, 2025

You’ve written, revised, and polished your piece until it shines. It’s ready for submission—but will it even be read?

Maybe not.

Why?

Because you didn’t follow the submission guidelines.

That’s right. After all the time spent crafting your work, the way you prepare and submit it can determine whether it reaches an editor’s desk or gets dismissed before anyone reads a single word.

Are Editors Really That Picky?

Yes, and for good reason. It’s not about being harsh—it’s about efficiency.

Imagine sifting through hundreds of submissions—the easiest way to cut the stack is by weeding out those who did not earn the reading time by serving as the first litmus test:

(?) Can the writer follow basic instructions?

(?) Can they format their file in the requested font and type—or are they submitting in their personal favorite, the one they never change?

(?) Are they paying attention to this publication’s needs, or are they copy-pasting from a submission to someone else?

It’s also signals professionalism. Respect for the process. A sign that you took the time to submit properly, instead of sending in a one-size-fits-all file.

Reality Check: Editors have seen thousands of correctly formatted submissions, which means the ones that are not correct stand out instantly—and not in a good way.

How to Get Pass the Gate Keepers:

Read the Guidelines (Twice). Fonts, spacing, file type—follow them exactly.
Format Like a Pro. Title page or no title page? Anonymous submission or named? Every detail matters.
Don’t Copy-Paste Submissions. What worked for one publisher may get instantly dismissed by another.
Proofread Beyond the Story. Misspelled email? Wrong file name? These tiny mistakes can cost you the opportunity.
Treat It Like a Job Application. Would you send a messy résumé? No. Submitting correctly shows you’re serious.

Set Yourself Up for Success:

📌 Print out the submission guidelines. Physically check off each requirement before submitting.

📌 Create a submission checklist. Keep track of different contests and publishers—each has its own rules.

📌 Save multiple versions of your document. One master file, and then specific versions tailored to each submission.

📌 Submit early. Avoid last-minute rushes that lead to overlooked mistakes.

Many submissions goes unread all the time—not for lack of talent, but because the writer failed the first test: following directions.

Submit smart, not sloppy, and give your work the best shot at making it past the first five inches—and onto an editor’s desk. Now go submit that piece with the care and attention it deserves!

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You’ve written, revised, and polished your piece until it shines. It’s ready for submission—but will it even be read?

Maybe not.

Why?

Because you didn’t follow the submission guidelines.

That’s right. After all the time spent crafting your work, the way you prepare and submit it can determine whether it reaches an editor’s desk or gets dismissed before anyone reads a single word.

Are Editors Really That Picky?

Yes, and for good reason. It’s not about being harsh—it’s about efficiency.

Imagine sifting through hundreds of submissions—the easiest way to cut the stack is by weeding out those who did not earn the reading time by serving as the first litmus test:

(?) Can the writer follow basic instructions?

(?) Can they format their file in the requested font and type—or are they submitting in their personal favorite, the one they never change?

(?) Are they paying attention to this publication’s needs, or are they copy-pasting from a submission to someone else?

It’s also signals professionalism. Respect for the process. A sign that you took the time to submit properly, instead of sending in a one-size-fits-all file.

Reality Check: Editors have seen thousands of correctly formatted submissions, which means the ones that are not correct stand out instantly—and not in a good way.

How to Get Pass the Gate Keepers:

Read the Guidelines (Twice). Fonts, spacing, file type—follow them exactly.

Format Like a Pro. Title page or no title page? Anonymous submission or named? Every detail matters.

Don’t Copy-Paste Submissions. What worked for one publisher may get instantly dismissed by another.

Proofread Beyond the Story. Misspelled email? Wrong file name? These tiny mistakes can cost you the opportunity.

Treat It Like a Job Application. Would you send a messy résumé? No. Submitting correctly shows you’re serious.

Set Yourself Up for Success:

📌 Print out the submission guidelines. Physically check off each requirement before submitting.

📌 Create a submission checklist. Keep track of different contests and publishers—each has its own rules.

📌 Save multiple versions of your document. One master file, and then specific versions tailored to each submission.

📌 Submit early. Avoid last-minute rushes that lead to overlooked mistakes.

Many submissions goes unread all the time—not for lack of talent, but because the writer failed the first test: following directions.

Submit smart, not sloppy, and give your work the best shot at making it past the first five inches—and onto an editor’s desk. Now go submit that piece with the care and attention it deserves!

Comments