O God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the Courage to change the things I can,
and the Wisdom to know the difference.
—The Serenity Prayer
Most of us have turned to this prayer for guidance during challenging times. Whether facing personal struggles, professional uncertainties, or societal concerns, its wisdom offers a wonderful framework for emotional navigation. As writers in today’s competitive publishing landscape, we can apply these same principles to our submission process, particularly when focusing on literary magazines—venues that may not offer monetary compensation but provide opportunities for recognition and growth.
Accepting What We Cannot Change
The publishing landscape has never been more competitive. According to Poets and Writers, acceptance rates for many respected literary journals hover around 1-2%, and even lesser-known magazines rarely exceed 10% due to various factors:
- The pandemic drove many aspiring writers indoors, giving them time to complete long-dormant projects
- The proliferation of MFA programs has created a new generation of skilled writers eager to publish
- Digital submissions have made it easier than ever to submit work
- Many established magazines are receiving record numbers of submissions while working with reduced staff
These external factors are beyond our control. No amount of wishing will change the fact that rejection is a statistical probability in this environment. With this level of competition it is normal to feel discouraged, but it is so important to remember that rejection does not reflect your talent or worth, it’s just part of the process.
Finding Courage to Change What We Can in the Steps We Take
While we can’t control the market, we can control our approach to it:
- Establish a regular submission schedule (weekly or monthly)
- Create a dedicated space and time for submitting work
- Track submissions methodically
- Research markets thoroughly before submitting
- Polish work to its highest shine before sending
- Revise/don’t revise
- Maintain multiple submissions simultaneously
To polish and refine your work, get feedback from peers, set it aside for a few days, and/or read it out loud to catch what your eye might miss, and then send it out! Publishing is essentially a numbers game. The more quality submissions you have in circulation, the better your chances of acceptance. Initial publications can open doors to other opportunities—conferences, workshops, networking events—but it takes courage to put yourself out there consistently.
The Wisdom to Know the Difference
True wisdom in the submission process comes from understanding which rejections should prompt revision and which rejections mean “not the right fit.” It means:
- Recognizing that rejection is part of the process, not a judgment of worth
- Learning from personal feedback when provided
- Maintaining momentum despite setbacks
- Celebrating small victories along the way
- Understanding that persistence often matters more than perfection
Small wins matter. Getting a positive note from the editor, making a shortlist, an honorable mention, or just learning about a new magazine. By focusing our energy on what we can control—our dedication to craft, our submission habits, our professional development—we create our own opportunities for success. The Serenity Prayer reminds us that while we cannot control the outcome, we can control our commitment to the process.
Every established writer faced these same challenges. What distinguished them was not talent alone, but the serenity to accept rejection as part of the journey, the courage to keep submitting, and the wisdom to learn and grow along the way.
Looking for accountability and support on your publishing journey? Join Eileen Toomey for monthly coaching sessions, weekly submission opportunities, and a supportive community. Register now for our next Lit Magazine Submission Club, starting March 18.