Much Appreciated…
Happy Tuesday stampy friends! Tuesdays are my day to create and get errands done. So far I have one errand done, have finished prepping for the Copic class that I am teaching tonight at Scrapper’s Boutique and have made a little to-do list that I hope is shorter by the time I have to pick up the wee ones!
Today I am sharing a card that I submitted for publication but it was denied. I’ve seen a few people get frustrated over their submissions and denials on Facebook, so I wanted to touch on the submission process. I’ll get to that in just a second. First, here is my card featuring Verve stamps and dies…
Detail…
This card uses Crate Paper paired with the Verve sentiment set, Words Cannot Express along with leaves from the Bloom & Grow set. The leaves have been die cut with the coordinating Elegant Leaves die {my favorite stamp/die pairing ever, probably!} and the butterflies are from the All Aflutter die set.
Ok, so back to pub talk. I have been really {really, really} bad about submitting for publications lately, but when I get into a submitting groove these are things that I keep in mind…
1. First and foremost, it’s OK if it doesn’t get picked up!
2. Follow directions. I think this is why this card may not have been picked up. I submitted it to a stamping publication and there’s not a whole lot of stamping on it. The die cut butterfly takes center stage and it’s a die cut.
3. Just because you think it fits the call doesn’t mean that an editor/group of editors will. Making a card from red and green paper doesn’t necessarily mean that it works with their call for holiday cards.
4. Make sure it’s your best work. Truth be told…there’s a lot of competition.
5. Be original!
6. Keep it simple! If your product list is outrageous and your instructions go on and on, it’s most likely not going to be a desirable project to publish. People look at magazines and are drawn to projects that they can do, too. Take a peek at the major paper crafting magazines and you will notice that many, if not most, of the cards have a clean, simple style.
7. Finally…see #1. This is a fun and happy hobby, so don’t get caught up on something not getting picked up. Just try and try again!
Love your reject!
I have been fairly lucky when I have taken the time to submit, not something I regularly do. I was stunned to learn that one of the calls I applied to had over 1800 entries, 1800, for one call. Stunned, I tell you!
Beautiful card, Jen and wonderful words of wisdom about submitting! I have never submitted a card for a call, but hope to do so sometime in the future!
This is a great card, love the layout, will def have to remember this one.
Thanks for all the tips. This card is gorgeous. I was going to take your class today at Scrapper Boutique, but some family things came up. Maybe I will see you on March 24th
Beautiful card, Jen!! The colors are amazing and details are stunning!! I would totally have to agree with everything you’ve said here. You have a great perspective on the pub process, so I hope you’ll keep trying!
I love this card. Thanks for you insights into pub subs… I have a hard time being denied
I tend to take it personally plus the fact that I am a huge self doubter so I also tend not to submit so I dont get denied. Great advice though. I have made it my mission to submit this year and have started by joining a couple of sites like let’s scrap and paper craft planet. I have put stuff up but not won any of the challenges yet. It is great to hear that what they are looking for and how you translate it may not be the same. Thanks for the pep talk 
Gorgeous card! Love your tips about publication! TFS!