What Lit Mag Editors Really Look For in Submissions

Learn how to stand out in the slush pile with our January workshop

Happy New Year, workshoppers!

How’d you like to get fewer literary rejections this year? (Uh huh, us too.)

Join Chill Subs co-founder Benjamin Davis on a deep dive into what actually moves the needle with submissions with our January workshop — Swimming Lessons in the Slush Pile.

Workshop Overview

Where do you turn when you want to learn more about the submissions process? Yep — it’s your, our, and everyone’s favourite lit mag database and subs tracker: Chill Subs.

In this workshop, Ben shares in-depth stats from behind the Chill Subs curtain to boost your chances of an acceptance, as well as insights and interviews with lit mag editors on how to submit your best work.

By the end of January, you’ll have an expert-level view on the submissions process, and how to develop your work to really stand out from the slush pile!

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Takeaways

• Why it’s ok (sometimes) to ask questions about your submissions (and why you shouldn’t be scared of lit mag editors)

• What do acceptance rates mean, and how to know if your work might be good enough to make that teeny percentage

• When’s the best time to submit your work (eg: are the odds be better under a full moon?)

• How to (can you?!) re-submit previously published work, and where to send it

Ben’s first lesson drops on 7 January, so get your swimmers on and get ready to dive into the slush pile…

Upgrade to receive the full workshop and enjoy a brand new lesson every Wednesday in January.

Meet Your Instructor

Benjamin Davis co-founded Chill Subs and created The Sub Club Newsletter. He has works in Booth, Wigleaf, Hobart, and Lit Hub. His debut poetry collection, The King of FU (Nada Blank 2018), was such a smashing success it shocked the indie press who published it into an early grave. He is now working on his first six novels. His first Forever Workshop, Sorry For the Inconvenience — A Submitter’s Guide to Lit Mags ran in January 2024 and is free to read. Find him on Chill Subs (obv).

P.S. Heads up — we’re making some exciting changes to The Forever Workshop in February, so keep an eye out for our new-look lessons and format, and a whole new year of amazing instructors and workshop topics!