How to Build a Submission Calendar That Works
Professional artists treat submissions as ongoing practice.
A submission calendar reduces emotional decision-making.
1. Map the Year
Identify:
Major competitive calls
Thematic opportunities
Mid-range publications
Open showcases
Spread them across the year.
2. Budget Strategically
Allocate submission fees intentionally.
Balance high-prestige calls with realistic opportunities.
Avoid submitting impulsively under deadline pressure.
3. Prepare Materials in Advance
Maintain:
Updated statement
Clean image files
Biography variations
CV
Preparation reduces stress and improves clarity.
4. Track Outcomes
Maintain a simple log:
Publication
Date submitted
Outcome
Notes
Patterns become visible over time.
5. Reassess Quarterly
Ask:
Is the work evolving?
Are certain themes resonating?
Do certain types of calls produce better alignment?
Strategic recalibration improves long-term outcomes.
Final Insight
Submission is not random.
It is cumulative practice.
Artists who approach it systematically build resilience and momentum.
