How to prepare a piece for submission
Not too long ago we covered the mindset of submitting-now, here are some helpful tips for when you actually submit!
First and foremost- it is important to review the submission guidelines! If you’re going to submit, make sure you know how to submit properly! We wouldn’t want your piece to be pushed back in review all because you happened to mess up somewhere in the submission process. Not to mention, it saves both of us time when it comes down to reviewing and communicating with each other about the submission. If there is confusion, do feel free to email us with any questions you may have!
If you are unsure of what to exactly submit, check out last semester’s gallery for ideas! That will give you a better idea of what we are looking for and a better perspective of the diversity of pieces that we accept and themes that stand out to us. You don’t have to follow verbatim, but last fall’s gallery and e-magazine can show you what sorts of pieces we look for and help you see where your work could fit in!
We also don’t want you to overthink on what piece to submit! Here are some tips on how to make it less daunting. Mostly, remember to express yourself in your own work! If you still have doubts, there is nothing wrong with reaching out to others for a second opinion. That will help you get a better grasp of how a third party may interpret your work, whether it is your family or even those that follow you on social media. Try to look for pieces that have a deeper meaning or background to them and ask people what pieces of your’s resonate with them. You might be surprised what people like!
Stuck on who to ask or how to ask for a second opinion? Make a personal rubric for yourself, and with those parameters, the individual you ask will give their opinions more easily. These can be simple questions like: what do you think the meaning of this piece is, do you think it follows this guideline, etc. It also helps if you reach out to a friend that won’t hold back. The pickier they are; the more helpful it is for you to pick up the details you might have missed or need to work on!
By doing so, you will also save us a lot of time in terms of answering or giving our opinions on small details that can be spotted by someone that you know! It will also save you time in terms of waiting for a response.
Here’s some more quick ways to prepare your work for submission:
Make sure you’re following the submission guidelines
One submission per form
No fan art
Check for requirements in quality, length, format etc.
If it’s a written submission, run it through Grammarly or Hemingway
Check for grammar, spelling, and other easy checks, as well as passive voice and clarity
If you need a photo for submission, take a high quality one!
Try to use sunlight or ring light as lighting
Use your phone or a camera (if possible)
Make sure the background is simple and clear. You can even use a table, floor, cushion, or blanket, etc. to have a simple background
Make sure it’s in focus!
If you have a portrait mode, it may help too!
If it’s an audio or video submission, make sure it’s the right format
End of the day, please make sure to follow the guidelines and do not be afraid to ask questions. We are here to help, and we want to see what you submit! Just make sure you submit before Sunday, April 11th.
