A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Published in the Bubble

Many writers dream of seeing their work in print. They try and fail, time after time, to get published. It can often seem like there is no light, or ink, at the end of the tunnel — yet St Andrews, despite its humble size, offers a wealth of magazines, journals and newspapers to showcase those scribblings you never thought would see the light of day. 

Here is a comprehensive guide to getting your work out of that overcrowded file and into the world.

• Does your work fit neatly into a genre, or does it defy any and all modes of definition? Labelling your work, even if it is what your professor might call ‘avant-garde’ or your grandparents might call ‘downright peculiar’, can help to find the right publisher for you and ensure that it meets the right audience. Your work deserves to be seen by the people who are looking for it. 

• Once you’ve found your niche, or niches, surround yourself with the other creatives that already call it home. Their quirky imaginings might spark yours. Let that fire burn! Remember that you aren’t alone in your Odyssean epic towards publication. The brooding hero did have a supportive crew after all, even if they did get turned into pigs by a sexy witch.  

• Now comes the time to pick your publisher, before they get the chance to pick you. A wise woman once said, “If you throw enough mud, some of it is bound to stick.” This beautifully put phrase, as can be said of any analogy involving mud, offers various readings. Mine goes like this — your work is that glorious mud, throw it at as many publications as you can, and one day your dirty,mud-caked hands may hold a printed page bearing your name.

I, your humble publishing sage, have compiled a list of societies, magazines and theatre companies, and their all-important Instas, that don’t just want to see your work, but need it to carry on. Be confident in that power; it will carry you through. 

1. The Saint Newspaper

@thesaintsta

While this recommendation might be somewhat meta, the newspaper accepts new writers every semester onto all of our teams. Are you goal-oriented? Write for sports! And pardon my pun. Student journalism is a way for any young writer to explore the development of their own distinct voice. In a world of AI-generated drivel, anthropomorphic cats, extra fingers and all, your human style will set you apart.

2. People You Know Productions

@peopleyouknowproductions

This thriving independent theatre company focuses on producing student-written scripts of all genres. While existing students are well acquainted with their array of daring risqué productions, PYK goes about any new project with panache, care and impeccable marketing. Your submission might take you to Fringe, where your play could become the next Fleabag phenomenon, hot priests included (I hope).

3. Inklight Creative Writing Society

@inklightsoc

Inklight is a society that offers a space for budding creative writers. They offer multiple events a semester, a novelists' network and a journal, to name a few. I talked earlier about those sparks you needed to light your artistic fire — find your fellow arsonists at events such as these and set the literary world aflame.

4. Stereoscope

@stereoscope_magazine

Stereoscope Magazine publishes both the work of young poets and photographers. Get boozy and talk art and literature with your peers at one of their launch parties! The collaboration between the two worlds makes for a truly beautiful and painfully aesthetic publication. If, for you, as for the Romantics, beauty is paramount, get involved with Stereoscope and watch your work flourish.

5. Stinging Nettle Magazine

@stingingnettle_mag

Stinging Nettle Magazine aims for a collaborative space for all writers and artists, and will print its first issue this October. Accepting written submissions of any genre, the magazine should make for a true Frankenstein’s monster. Add your work to the concoction and let it come alive! Cue lightning strike.

To conclude this guide, throw that bloody mud against the wall, embrace your niche and light the literary world aflame. Nothing will make you prouder than seeing your name in print.

Image from Wikimedia Commons