Published in Somerset Studio Gallery

I’ve postponed my post about the DWYL book class until Sunday, as I got a little surprise in the mail yesterday!

YES! Published again and this time in one of my beloved Stampington magazines. I had submitted my poppy paintings last year as part of the Somerset Studio poppy edition and was a little sad when none of the paintings I lovingly sent got in. So can you imagine my joy when I saw this magazine & the little congrats note enclosed with the rest of my mail when I got back from England. WOOHOO!

“Poppy Cluster” 8×8 mixed media artwork submitted and published.

Being published was a dream when I first started this journey in 2009, so in 2010 I wrote “Getting Published” in big letters on my dream list as part of the Mondo Beyondo e-course. (they are running a special session now). Being Published was one of my key goals and I am so over the moon to now add Somerset Studio Gallery to my press page, following inc magazine and artwork in Patt Dighs book last month!

Is getting published in a magazine a big dream of yours?

Here’s a brief 5 step process to get you started.

1. Look inside the magazines that you love and ones that would be a good fit for your work. Find out what their submission guidelines are. There are lots of inspiring themes that Stampington put out on their submission page for all their publications. Other magazines such as “Cloth, Paper, Scissors” set challenges for their readers so this is also a great way to get your artwork out there.
2. Find out who the editor of the magazine is and write them a cover letter, talking a little about your work, what inspires you and the process you went through to create your piece. be sure to include links to our blog/website too. Many magazines accept international submissions, but if in doubt reach out to the magazine.
3. Make up your package to send to the magazine (the details of what to include will be in the submission guidelines). Package it up and decorate the outside of your box/envelope so it looks pretty when it arrives on the editors desk.
4. If you are a writer, photographer or have a great idea for an article, you can also send email submissions to magazine companies such as Stampington outlining your idea.
5. Don’t be discouraged if your initial work/submission doesn’t get in the first time you submit, keep trying and one day you will find a magazine and a little congratulations note yourself in your mailbox.

When I first started on this journey, being published felt like such a difficult thing to do and I was so confused as to how to go about it, however it really is about reaching out and looking at the opportunities through submission guidelines and challenges.

Then inhaling a deep breath, being brave and taking that first step.

Good Luck!

Tagged as: artwork, magazines, published, somerset studio