“$5 to submit my work with no guarantee? No way!”
If you’ve been grinding away to get your written works into the world, you’ve likely encountered the dreaded pre-acceptance or submission fees.
While I always knew they existed, I first came face-to-face with them when I signed up for Submittable. Submittable offers a handy filter option for “no fee” submissions, but even with that filter, some opportunities that come with a fee sneak through. This isn’t unique to Submittable, though. Many submission platforms and publishers ask for fees upfront, often before considering whether your work is accepted.
So, what’s going on here? Why are collections, blogs, anthologies, and magazines charging submission fees and getting away with it? This practice goes against the grain of what many writers have been told: never pay to be published. But these fees are becoming more common, so it's worth asking: Why do they exist, and are they worth it?
Community Works Are Not Traditional Publishing
When you look at publications that charge for submissions, you’ll typically find they fall into one of two categories:
1. Prestige Works
2. Community Works
In the case of prestige works, if your submission is selected, it will be showcased alongside the works of more prominent writers. These kinds of publications are often looking for the best of the best—those who are fully committed to submitting high-quality work. Charging a fee helps filter out less serious submissions, decreasing the volume of work the editors need to sift through, while also increasing the likelihood that the submissions they do read are from writers who’ve truly put their heart and soul into their craft.
On the other hand, community works focus on bringing together writers as part of a larger, collaborative effort. In these cases, the publication creators are typically not profiting from the project—if they are, it's usually not by much. The submission fees they charge are used to fund a passion project, with all the money going directly into the publication process. The goal here is less about exclusivity and more about contributing to a shared creative vision.
In both instances, if your work is selected, you will likely receive an honorarium (a small payment for your contribution) as well as a complimentary copy of the publication you’re featured in. So, while submitting to these publications often requires an investment upfront, you can expect some form of compensation or recognition if you're chosen.
Never Pay for Publishing
Because of this, it’s possible to pay to be part of a magazine or a collected work and still reject the idea of paying a traditional publisher to release your full manuscript. The key difference lies in the context and intent behind the payment.
As I’ve mentioned in past discussions about exposure, these matters are rarely black and white. They require careful evaluation on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances and the value of the opportunity.
If you’re submitting to a collection that seems suspicious—especially if they’re asking for a hefty fee with no clear justification—don’t pay it. It's important to trust your instincts and question anything that feels off.
As writers on the internet, it's important that we take the time to vet every opportunity thoroughly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the publication directly for clarification on any details. Get them to explain exactly where the fees go and how they’ll be used. If you're unsure, ask fellow writers and members of your community for feedback. They're likely to have encountered similar situations and can offer valuable insight.
Most of us in the writing world are eager to help one another, so never be afraid to ask questions and share your concerns.
Stay Safe out There
If you come across a fee on a publication, don’t feel guilty about wanting to do your research and gather more information. Due diligence is essential, and it’s completely reasonable to want to understand exactly what you’re paying for and why.
A legitimate prestige publisher or community coordinator will appreciate your questions and take the time to clarify any concerns. They should be transparent about their process, and they’ll make sure you feel comfortable and informed before committing.
If they hesitate or become defensive when asked for more details, take it as a red flag. The world of publishing is vast, and there are plenty of opportunities available to writers. If one doesn’t feel right, there are always other avenues to explore. Don’t be afraid to walk away from something that doesn’t align with your values or goals. There are plenty of fish in the publishing sea.
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