Ready to Submit Your Writing?
Tips for the Muslim Writer on the Submission Process
Bismillah.
Salaams, dear ones!
Last weekend, we held our first Submissions Workshop for the Muslim Writers’ Salon members in the Sonnet and Ghazal tiers. I’ve been anticipating this day for months, gathering all the information to make our members’ lives easier. Writing doesn’t have to be a solo act—nor should the submission process.
Recently, a member asked me what I thought about Muslims submitting to publications that weren’t Islamic. I’m paraphrasing, but the question was along those lines.
The simple answer is that no matter the publication, you need to ensure it’s the right home for your writing. For example, if you’re writing flash fiction, it won’t be selected by a publication focused on academic essays or travel writing—unless they’re running a special call for flash fiction about travel.
Since you’ve taken the time to write, edit, and polish your work, you don’t want to publish it just anywhere. Chances are, you already have a publication in mind—perhaps one you enjoy reading often.
If not, here are a few questions to consider:
Does the publication’s mission align with your values?
Have they published works by other Muslims?
If it’s a literary journal, read back issues. Do you like what they publish? Are you familiar with any of the authors? Would this publication be a good home for your work?
My own writing is an act of service. I write with the intention of pleasing Allah. I make dua and ask Allah to guide me to the right places for my writing.
Have a dua in mind? Share with us in the comments.
How Do I Find a Home for My Writing?
First, make a plan.
Let’s say you have three short stories you want to share with the world. Instead of posting them on your Substack or blog, you’d like to add “published in [publication]” to your bio.
1. Create a List of Target Publications
Research journals, magazines, or anthologies that align with your themes and style.
2. Prioritize the Publications into Tiers:
Tier 1: Prestigious, long-shot opportunities.
Tier 2: Well-regarded but more accessible publications.
Tier 3: New or niche platforms more likely to accept emerging writers.
3. Use These Tools to Find Opportunities:
I sign up for way too many newsletters. I don’t advise you to do that. It’s part of my job. Here are some great go-to places.
Chill Subs - A database for literary magazines, contests, and indie presses, with both free and premium tools.
Poets & Writers - This magazine is dear to my heart—I subscribed in my early 20s to feel connected to the writerly life. Sign up for their newsletter or subscribe to access calls for submissions.
Freedom with Writing - I’ve been receiving this newsletter for years. It shares writing jobs, submission calls, and pitches directly from editors.
Submittable - A free marketplace for creative opportunities, including residencies, grants, and submission calls.
Pro tip: search for your genre or keyword to find relevant calls, though you’re not limited to this. (I searched “Islam”)
4. Follow Literary Communities Online:
On social media, follow magazines, lit journals, and presses you admire. They often post submission calls.
Tips for Submitting Your Work
Review Submission Guidelines:
Each publication has different rules. It’s tedious, but you must follow them precisely; otherwise, your submission won’t be considered.Submit Only When Your Work Is Ready:
Proofread, revise, and ensure your work is polished.Budget for Submission Fees:
Some are free, some are low-cost, and others might make you pause. Create a budget if needed.Submit Before the Deadline:
Use the method outlined in the guidelines.Track Your Submissions:
Use tools like Chill Subs or Poets & Writers’ trackers. Alternatively, create a free spreadsheet or use a Notion template.Be Patient:
Response times can vary.
What’s meant for you will be for you.
Allah is the best of planners.
Handling Rejection
Be prepared for rejection, though don’t expect it. It might be that your piece wasn’t the right fit for the publication or that it needs revision.
If your submissions aren’t accepted, make dua for guidance and reevaluate your plan. Seek feedback from fellow writers, a professional editor, or a writing coach.
Gamify the process: collect rejections as milestones on your writing journey. Download the Muslim Writers’ Salon Submission Rejection Card.
Celebrating Success
If your submission is accepted—Alhamdulillah! Thank Allah, celebrate, and keep writing.
May this be helpful in your writing journey. Ameen.
much love and salaams,
Maceo Nafisah
Co-Founder of the Muslim Writers’ Salon
Message us if you have any writing related questions. We are here to help, insha’Allah.
JOIN US AT OUR NEXT EVENTS
Saturday 23rd
Part 1: 12pm GMT/1pm CET/3pm TRT/5:30pm IST/8pm SGT
Part 2: 8am PDT/11am EST/ 4pm GMT/5pm CET
We’re holding TWO Open Mic sessions to accommodate as many time zones as we can. You can choose to join either session, or both if you really can’t get enough!
This is a brilliant opportunity to practise sharing your work in a welcoming space! Bring your poems, prose, songs, whatever you’re excited to share.
And yes, you can also just bring good vibes. What’s a performance without an audience?
Register for Part 1 or Part 2.
Thursday, November 28th
How I Write Interview with Hiba Noor Khan
A writer and activist, Hiba Noor Khan engages with issues of immigration and intercultural understanding, she has worked as a refugee advocate, a physics teacher, and a TV presenter in the UK. Hiba is also a freelance journalist and the author of two picture books.
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Safiyyah’s War is her first novel. Inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II, Hiba Noor Khan weaves a breathtaking tale of suspense, compassion, and courage, starring an extraordinary young heroine readers will never forget.
Her second novel, The Line They Drew Through Us, set during Partition, is coming out on April 2025.
Register HERE»
Recording available for all RSVPs and members of the Muslim Writers’ Salon membership writing community.
Great tips. Cool work. Congrats.
Hahaha I hadn't downloaded something as fast as I did the Rejection Card!!!! I really did not realise just how much rejection I was going to face when I started on this path.