Lenny Letter Submission Guidelines: Your Comprehensive Guide
Lenny Letter, founded by Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner, is a renowned online magazine that publishes a diverse range of content, from personal essays and cultural criticism to humor and fiction. If you're eager to submit your work to Lenny Letter, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the submission process, ensuring you understand their guidelines and increase your chances of getting published.
Understanding Lenny Letter's Aesthetic
Before you start writing, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with Lenny Letter's content. They seek unique, authentic voices that align with their mission to amplify underrepresented perspectives. Their work often explores themes of feminism, identity, politics, and pop culture. To get a sense of their aesthetic, browse their archive and read some of their published pieces.
What Lenny Letter Accepts
Lenny Letter accepts submissions in the following categories:
- Essays: Personal essays, reported pieces, and critical think-pieces.
- Fiction: Short stories and flash fiction.
- Poetry: They accept up to five poems at a time.
- Art: Visual art, illustrations, and comics.
They also occasionally publish interviews, but these are typically arranged by their editorial team.
Submission Guidelines
Lenny Letter has clear submission guidelines to ensure your work has the best chance of being considered. Here's a breakdown:
Word Count
The ideal word count for essays is between 800 and 2,500 words. For fiction, they accept pieces up to 5,000 words. Poetry submissions should not exceed 10 pages.
Formatting
Submit your work in Microsoft Word or Google Docs format. Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12, with 1.5 or double spacing. For poetry, include line breaks and stanza breaks.
Submission Process
Lenny Letter uses Submittable for their submissions. Here's how to submit:
- Create a Submittable account if you don't have one.
- Click on the 'Submit' button for the category you're interested in.
- Follow the prompts to upload your document and provide necessary information, such as your bio and contact details.
- Pay the submission fee, which is $3 per submission. Note that they offer fee waivers for those who cannot afford it.
- Click 'Submit' to send your work.
Response Time
Lenny Letter aims to respond to all submissions within 3-6 months. If you haven't heard back after this period, feel free to query your submission.
Tips for a Successful Submission
Here are some final tips to help your submission stand out:
- Proofread your work for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
- Ensure your piece is well-structured and easy to follow.
- Make sure your work aligns with Lenny Letter's aesthetic and values.
- Follow the submission guidelines closely.
- Be patient. Publishing is a competitive field, and rejections are a normal part of the process.
Good luck with your submission! Remember, the key to a successful submission is understanding the publication's needs, aligning your work with their aesthetic, and following their guidelines closely.
