Guide: Use NewPages to Find Calls, Submit Work, and Earn (Beginner’s Roadmap)

Section 1 · Quick orientation

What NewPages is — and why it should be on your daily list

NewPages is a long-running directory and editorial hub focused on literary magazines, independent presses, reading series, and calls for submissions. It aggregates and publishes curated announcements — calls for submissions, themed issues, contests, residencies, and small-press news — so writers and editors can find open markets quickly. Use the Calls for Submissions and the recurring “Where to Submit” roundups to see what’s currently open. These pages are updated regularly and are a practical starting point when you want to find a home for a poem, story, essay, or special themed project.

Why NewPages? Three reasons:

• Curation: editors hand-select announcements so you don’t have to scan a dozen RSS feeds.
• Variety: listings include everything from literary journals to university presses to themed anthologies and contests.
• Context & links: each call usually links back to the journal’s official guidelines, so you can read eligibility, fees, and rights quickly before you prepare your submission.

Section 2 · How to use NewPages like a pro

Finding, filtering, and saving opportunities

Here’s a practical routine you can use weekly. It takes about 20–45 minutes once you get the rhythm.

Section 3 · Choose the right market

Filters and decisions that save you time (genre, rights, fees)

Use these filters when deciding where to send your work — they cut needless rewrites and increase chances of acceptance:

• Genre match: journals specialize. If a press only takes poetry, don’t send a short story.
• Word count: confirm the maximum and aim below it — editors prefer concise, polished work.
• Rights requested: NewPages often links to whether the market asks for first serial (exclusive) or non-exclusive rights; choose according to your plans for reposting.
• Fees: contests or some markets charge reading fees. Decide whether the potential prize or exposure justifies the fee.
• Response time: some markets take months; if you need quick clips, target faster-response journals or job boards that pay per post.

Section 4 · Build a strong submission package

What editors usually expect (and a beginner checklist)

For most journals and contests you’ll need:

• Polished manuscript: final draft, formatted according to the journal’s preferences (single vs double-spaced, file type).
• Short author bio: 20–40 words. Include your bylines, city, current project (if relevant), and links if the site asks.
• Cover letter / pitch: often short (2–4 lines). For themed calls, explain why your piece suits that theme.
• Work sample links: if available (personal site, Substack, or published clips), include 1–2 links.
• Any extra files: images (with credit), translations, or permissions if your work includes third-party content.

Section 5 · Submission workflow

Track submissions, set reminders, and follow up right

A submission is only “in play” when you track it. Use a simple Google Sheet, Notion board, or a submissions tracker like Duotrope (paid trial) or The Submission Grinder to record: market, date sent, type (simultaneous ok?), response window, response received, and notes. Below is a compact table you can copy-paste into a spreadsheet.

Section 6 · How you can actually earn money

Real pathways: contests, paying markets, freelance job boards, and guest posts

NewPages lists contests and calls — many contests offer cash prizes which are direct earnings for writers. But beyond contests, here are reliable income channels for writers at different experience levels:

• Prize contests and grants: entry fees vary; prizes range from modest to large. Only enter contests where you can verify legitimacy (the publisher + prize admin should be transparent). Use NewPages to spot contests and then confirm details on the organizer’s page.
• Paying magazines & literary journals: some pay modest fees per accepted piece; others pay none. Check each journal’s payment policy on their site. Resources like Duotrope and The Submission Grinder can help you find journals that report pay rates or acceptance windows.
• Guest posts and trade blogs: blogs and trade publications often pay per post or per word. Use job boards like ProBlogger Jobs, Freelance Writing Gigs, and BloggingPro.
• Freelance marketplaces: platforms like Upwork list ongoing gigs from content mills to high-paying projects; craft targeted proposals and build a rating profile.
• Content agencies & job services: Contena, Contently, and specialized content agencies aggregate better-paying clients but may require vetting or subscription.

Section 7 · Templates you can copy

Short pitch, 40-word bio, and polite follow-up — copy, paste, adapt

Section 8 · Checklist, tracking table, and practice plan

Use this repeatable plan until you build momentum

Copy this simple 30-day loop until you have a handful of published samples:

1. Week 1 — Build: finish one story/poem/essay and one guest post pitch. Polish, format, add a title and 20–40 word bio.
2. Week 2 — Research: use NewPages calls + Submittable/DUOTROPE/Submission Grinder to find 4–6 markets. Triage them into reach/realistic/fast.
3. Week 3 — Submit: send 2–3 polished submissions (one to a paying guest-post market if possible). Record everything in your tracker.
4. Week 4 — Revise & repeat: while waiting, draft another piece and prepare alternate versions for simultaneous submission where allowed.

Section 9 · FAQ & ethics

Common beginner questions + ethical rules

Section 10 · Resource hub — links to follow

Open these tabs now — primary tools & paying job boards