Navigating the Online Submission Process

This is where things get interesting. Whether or not you're looking to have your story published online or in a book, the internet is your best guide. First, search for sites that are accepting submissions. Print out any submission information from sites that sound like they would be interested in your story. Most sites deal with a particular genre: romance, fiction, horror, or literary, etc. Depending on which genre your story fits into, you may have a lot of choices as to where you want to send your work.

Read submission rules carefully

Pay attention to the rules. Some publishers are very picky about format: double spacing, headers and footers, attachments only in rtf., etc. I have also seen a few that care nothing at all about format, but only ask that you keep to the rules of grammar and spelling. Beware of submission dates, and re-read anything that you are not sure about. It takes a while to navigate through the jargon. You'll learn the difference between multiple submissions (several pieces of writing sent to one publisher) or simultaneous submissions (the same story sent to several publishers).Make sure you know whether said publisher wants query letters or the story sent in the body of an email.

There are non-paying, professional paying, and semi-professional paying markets, and this information is usually listed under the guidelines.

Know your audience (also known as the Publisher)

Reading previous volumes on an online magazine (or print, as some of these websites do both) is always a good idea. You want to sample a bit of the publication's flavor. And while you're doing this, you may decide that a certain site is not for you. That's okay. Here you will have to go on instinct. That said, remember that you're a humble writer and cannot afford to turn your nose up to any publisher that finds merit in your work.

Submit!

Often times there really is no true test as to whether or not a publisher would like your work. Remember that these are people with their own likes and dislikes, basically a reader like you are. Keep your work as clean and sharp as possible, so there will not be any distractions from the storytelling. Remember to keep note of which publishers you've submitted to and how long you should expect before they get back to you.

Develop a thick skin

Remember, nothing would ever get done if everyone stopped trying after the first "no". You may also find that it will take several tries, with several stories, before a publisher will accept your work. Take criticism and use it as a tool for your arsenal. Continue to work, re-work, and reshape your stories. You may also find yourself surprised by what people like. The story that you thought was only funny to you may be a raging success. Educate yourself on what's out there, and just keep working at it.