prairie schooner submit

3 min read 23-02-2025

Submitting your work to Prairie Schooner, a prestigious literary magazine, can feel daunting. This guide breaks down the submission process, offering tips to increase your chances of acceptance. We'll cover everything from understanding their preferences to navigating the online submission system. Learn how to submit your poetry, fiction, or essays to Prairie Schooner and improve your chances of publication.

Understanding Prairie Schooner's Literary Preferences

Before submitting, familiarize yourself with Prairie Schooner's aesthetic. Review their past issues – both online and in print – to grasp their style and the types of work they publish. What kind of voices and themes resonate with them? Understanding their preferences is crucial for tailoring your submission and increasing your chances of acceptance.

What Prairie Schooner Looks For:

High-quality writing: This is paramount. Prairie Schooner seeks well-crafted, polished pieces. Expect rigorous editing.
Originality and voice: They want unique perspectives and styles. Don't try to mimic other authors. Be yourself.
Engagement: Your work should capture the reader's attention and leave a lasting impression. Compelling narratives and strong imagery are essential.
Thematic depth: Prairie Schooner prefers works with substance and meaningful exploration of themes. Superficial pieces are less likely to succeed.
Genre diversity: While they publish a wide range of genres, understanding their current leanings is important. Check recent issues.

Prairie Schooner Submission Guidelines: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prairie Schooner uses an online submission system. Familiarize yourself with their guidelines before you begin.

Step 1: Prepare Your Manuscript

Formatting: Adhere strictly to Prairie Schooner's formatting requirements for your chosen genre. Incorrect formatting can lead to immediate rejection.
Proofreading: Thoroughly proofread your work for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Use a fresh pair of eyes or editing software.
Length: Respect the guidelines for maximum word counts. Exceeding the limit is a common reason for rejection.
Title: Choose a title that is both concise and evocative.
Author Bio: Prepare a short, informative author bio as requested.

Step 2: Create an Account and Submit

Online Submission Portal: Navigate to the Prairie Schooner website and locate their submission portal.
Account Creation: Create an account, providing all necessary information accurately.
Upload your manuscript: Follow the instructions carefully for uploading your manuscript in the correct format.
Cover Letter: A thoughtful cover letter can make a difference. Highlight relevant aspects of your work and its fit with the magazine.
Payment: Be prepared to pay the submission fee (if applicable).

Step 3: After Submission

Confirmation: You will typically receive an email confirming your submission.
Response Time: Be patient. Prairie Schooner receives many submissions and their response time may vary.
Rejection: Don't be discouraged by rejection. It's a common part of the publishing process. Learn from the experience and resubmit elsewhere.
Acceptance: If accepted, you'll receive communication outlining the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What types of writing does Prairie Schooner accept?

A: Prairie Schooner accepts poetry, fiction, and essays. Check their website for specific guidelines for each genre.

Q: How long does it take to hear back from Prairie Schooner?

A: Response times vary, but be prepared to wait several months.

Q: What if my submission is rejected?

A: Rejection is common. Review your work, learn from the experience, and resubmit to other publications.

Q: Can I submit multiple pieces at once?

A: Refer to their current guidelines on their website as policies can change.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Acceptance

Read widely: Familiarize yourself with contemporary literature.
Seek feedback: Share your work with trusted readers for constructive criticism.
Revise and polish: Don't rush the submission process. Take your time to refine your work.
Persist: Rejection doesn't mean your work isn't good. Keep submitting.

Submitting to Prairie Schooner is a significant step for any writer. By understanding their preferences, following their guidelines meticulously, and crafting a compelling piece, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Good luck!