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The Art of Submission Guidelines: Why They Matter and How to Make Them Work

O

Oz Osbaldeston

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2 mins

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As someone who's spent years working with publishers and creators, I've witnessed a universal truth that makes editors everywhere sigh in collective frustration: submission guidelines are often treated as optional reading. This oversight isn't just a minor inconvenience—it's a systemic issue that costs time, strains resources, and potentially buries great work under a mountain of mismatched submissions.

The Submission Guidelines Paradox

Here's a startling reality: despite clear, detailed guidelines being readily available, publications report that 40-60% of submissions they receive don't meet their basic requirements. This isn't just about writers being cavalier—it's about a broken system that needs rethinking.

Why Guidelines Get Ignored

Through conversations with both editors and writers, we've identified several key factors:

For Writers:

For Publishers:

The Cost of Non-Compliance

When guidelines are ignored, everyone loses:

Publishers Face:

Writers Experience:

Enter Smart Submission Management

This is where Send Something transforms the submission landscape. Our platform doesn't just display guidelines—it actively ensures they're followed, benefiting both sides of the submission process.

How ASH (Automated Submissions Handler) Makes a Difference:

Real-World Impact

Consider this scenario from a literary magazine we work with: Before Send Something: After Send Something:

Best Practices for Modern Submission Guidelines

For Publishers:

For Writers:

The Future of Submissions

The days of submissions getting lost in email inboxes or writers missing crucial guidelines are coming to an end. Modern submission management isn't just about digital forms—it's about creating an ecosystem where guidelines serve their intended purpose: helping great work find its right home.

Making the Switch

Whether you're a publisher drowning in non-compliant submissions or a writer juggling multiple submission guidelines, Send Something offers a better way forward. Our platform transforms guidelines from passive documents into active tools that work for everyone. Ready to revolutionise your submission process? Visit SendSomething.ai to see how we're making submission guidelines work smarter, not harder. Want to learn more about optimising your submission process? Book a demo to see how Send Something can transform your guidelines from a hope into a guarantee.

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