Once your story is revamped and at its literary peak, it's time to submit it to publications. This is everyone else's least favorite part about writing because they can't stand the inevitable rejection slips. I was prepared for it ahead of time and got enough praise for my writing from my classes and my friends that it really didn't affect me that much. However, I still got rejected six times before "Heart of Flesh" got accepted and another 12-15 times before "Daughter of the Seven Seas" was published. Here are some things to remember when you submit your stories:
1) You're going to get rejected. It's just like dating: you're going to get a lot of nos before someone says yes.
2) It doesn't necessarily mean that you are a bad writer. Most of the time, the editor simply doesn't think that it's a good fit for their publication. Even if you are a bad writer, you will get better as long as you keep at it and get a lot of input from your friends and mentors.
3) If an editor gives you feedback, take it very seriously. Most editors won't do this because they don't have the time or are sick of taking flack from writers with big egos. An editor who takes the time to offer you advice is genuinely trying to help you 99% of the time, so be humble and express your gratitude for their aid.
4) Be a good sport. Many writers burn bridges unnecessarily by personally attacking editors who reject them. This is not only foolhardy (they have more leverage/power than you do), it's also uncalled for and childish. If you really think they made a mistake, prove it by continuing to write until you get so good that you blow them away.
4) Don't give up. The greatest writers in the world have gotten rejected numerous times. For example, Stephen King's book, "Carrie", got so many rejections that he gave up and threw it into the trash. His wife actually fished it out and submitted it for him and he got published. Stephenie Meyer got 7-8 rejections for "Twilight." J.K. Rowling was rejected 12 times before "Harry Potter" got published and...you get the idea.
Obviously, the best way to get published is to have an "in" at a magazine or company or to know someone who does. That being said, don't let a lack of connections impede your dream. Keep sending your work out, no matter what, and one day, you will see your work in print.
