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Read books like Writer's Market and Poet's Market. Examine Poets & Writers magazine and The Writer's Chronicle (AWP). Scope out as many publishing opportunities as possible, which include literary contests, small literary journals, zines that are Internet-related, newspapers -- any avenues for publication, so that you can build up credits that will help you when you submit your work, subsequently, to the next publication. Develop that "thick skin" which is necessary if you want to publish your work, over a long period of time. When rejections occur, as they inevitably will, keep sending your work out on a regular basis, so that it becomes an automatic exercise; this takes a bit of the sting out of the momentary setback. Remember, it's often just one reader or a single editor's decision to accept or reject work. Move on to the next journal or contest on the list you've, hopefully, compiled. Be reasonable in your selection process, concerning where you send your material. Better to start with a string of acceptances at a series of "little" journals or magazines to build up your record and confidence, than aim so high that you program yourself for disappointment, each time out. Try college journals and others that are open to publishing students and query editors, if need be. Above all, when submitting work, let the material speak for itself. Keep the information in cover letters to a minimum. Be sure to mention previous acceptances in publications, but don't explain why you wrote certain pieces, what they mean, what is your philosophy about writing, or how Sparky the cat, your adorable best friend, influences your writing style. Editors are far too busy -- and cranky -- to read this "stuff" and often feel as if the need for explanation is almost an apology for your work. With a good attitude, dedication to your craft, and proper motivation most writers find a place for their work. Good luck. Bart Edelman
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