344: Mastering the Submission Process | Dennis James Sweeney

Tips from Dennis James Sweeney

In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I converse with Dennis James Sweeney, author of “How to Submit: Getting Your Writing Published with Literary Magazines and Small Presses” and recipient of the Autumn House Rising Writer prize. Our discussion offers valuable insights into a writer’s journey, the perseverance needed in the face of rejection, and the power of authenticity in one’s writing.

Childhood Aspirations and the Long Road Ahead

Dennis James Sweeney’s writing journey began in childhood with a simple aspiration. Like many, he was captivated by the magic of storytelling. However, the transition from dreaming about writing to pursuing it as a career was not straightforward.

Sweeney explored multiple career paths and faced numerous challenges before deciding to follow his passion for writing wholeheartedly. It was only after realizing that no other path ignited the same fervor within him that he dedicated himself fully to the craft. His story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of aligning one’s pursuits with their true passions.

The Importance of Writing for Love and Not Validation

A key takeaway from Sweeney’s journey is the shift from seeking external validation to writing for the love of it. While submitting work to literary magazines and facing rejection is a part of the process, it was the moment when Sweeney realized that he was already part of an ongoing conversation about writing that true magic happened.

He recalls a significant moment of success when his work was accepted and published, not because he was seeking approval, but because he was committed to his craft. This realization brought a certain magic to the moment that underscored the importance of internal validation.

Academic Training and Its Role in a Writing Career

Sweeney also discusses his academic journey, encompassing an MFA from Oregon State University and a PhD from the University of Denver. While academic training provided him with a safe space to experiment and take risks in his writing, he acknowledges the difference between the academic world and the public sphere of publishing.

The academic environment allowed him to explore various forms and forced him to read beyond his preferences, ultimately shaping his perspectives. It served as a cocoon where his writing could evolve without the pressures of public judgment.

Overcoming the Fear of Rejection in the Submission Process

Submission is an integral and daunting part of a writer’s journey. Sweeney emphasizes the importance of approaching the submission process not from a place of fear, but from a sense of belonging and contribution to a larger conversation.

By engaging deeply with the publications he aspired to contribute to and offering his labor to literary communities, Sweeney redefined success beyond acceptance. His advice for writers is clear: read and understand the venues you are submitting to, and make yourself part of the literary community through participation and contribution.

The Role of Writing Teachers and Truth in Writing

My insights on teaching writing echo Sweeney’s experiences. As a former teacher, I share how I cultivated environments where students learned to write by finding their voice, rather than adhering to rigid rubrics.

We agree on the importance of writing truthfully and authentically, a lesson that transcends skill level and resonates deeply with any aspiring writer. The objective is not just to master language but to reveal something meaningful, a truth that is uniquely the writer’s own.

A Call to Writers: Embrace the Challenge

Aspiring writers can learn from Sweeney’s journey that the path to becoming a writer is less about following prescribed steps and more about persistence, authenticity, and contributing to the conversation. It’s about facing rejection with resilience, writing with truth, and finding fulfillment in the process itself.

As Sweeney highlights in his book, the nuances of submitting work and pursuing publication are skills that can be learned, but the heart of writing comes from understanding one’s voice and truth.

For those standing on the precipice of their writing journey, let these insights guide you. Your path is unique, and as you tread it, let the love of writing and the truth you wish to share be your compass.

Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.

That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.