Tammy Lai-Ming Ho of Cha: An Asian Literary Journal Recommends...

When submitting work to literary journals, take appropriate care in your correspondence. Address people politely, even if you don’t know their names. Do not simply attach your submission to a blank e-mail—there is no surer way of ensuring your submission remains unread. Send in your work through appropriate channels, using the e-mail or postal address available on the journal’s website.

Please do not contact editors via their personal e-mail addresses; it is highly inappropriate, unless a correspondence has been previously established. It also goes without saying that your submission should be sent at the right time, if there is a set window for submissions. Also bear in mind that many literary journal editors are editing as a side project, often without compensation, so it is not always possible to get back to you promptly regarding a pitch or a submission. Sending a follow-up e-mail is fine but don’t be pushy—leave it for at least a week or two.

Research the publication you are pitching to: Familiarize yourself with what it usually publishes and the requirements for length and format. Remember that many journals do not have the means to pay contributors so tailor your submissions if you hope to earn money from your writing.

Be positive! Surprise the editor with your pitch and don’t take rejections personally. Journals will always be happy to see you again, and editors love developing mutual relationships with their writers.

—Tammy Lai-Ming Ho, editor in chief, Cha: An Asian Literary Journal