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I'm scrounging for info for a brief article on methods used for keeping track of submissions. This is for a continuing series of tech tips for writers at Liberty Hall and Creative Nonfiction Writers.
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I use a forty dollar lab notebook. Most likely because I had it and I wanted it to be gainfully employed after spending the money on it.
In it, I keep Adresses for the major markets, then I pencil in the title, date and market submitted to, as well as response times, typr of response etc...
The gragh lines are helpful in making a penciled spreadsheet and could as easily be done in a gragh notebook for a dollar.
I suppose an excel file could be good because besides being digital you could implant links for quick online submissions.
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I created a database in Filemaker Pro to keep track of all of this information. Of course.... I've never actually submitted anything, but the database looks great!
Posts: 76 | Registered: Nov 2008
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I use Excel with columns for Query, Acknowledgement, Request for Writing Sample and Request for Manuscript... then editor/agent information. The last column is for submission details i.e. Email Query, 5pg, synopsis
I've used it for four submissions. Seems to be working well for tracking.
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I've created my own web application to keep track of my submissions. With a glance (or a click or rollover), I can see what story went to which publication / agent, how long it has been out for, who had it previously, and all my notes on what my plans are for it.
My list of publications and agents is dynamic, as well.
I am adding enhancements to this app, as they come to me.
Oh...and I also back up the database once a night...just in case.
1. Duotrope's submissions tracker: because it can give me information on average market response time, the difference in average response time for rejections and acceptances, the "responsed to submission sent as late as", and other things.
2. An Excel sheet I keep myself, this helps me keep track of which markets one story has gone to, and keeps stats based on my own submissions that track the min/avg/max response from each market so I know when to start watching the mailbox like a hawk.
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Also, by using the Duotrope tracker, I contribute to their statistics base, making their information more complete for other users, which is a good thing.
Posts: 299 | Registered: Oct 2008
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I used to type up an index card...when I switched over to computers, I just created a word processor file with each page the size-shape-and-orientation of an index card. I really should switch to something else, now that I'm more familiar with computers and what they do...of course I don't submit that much these days, either...
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I use a spreadsheet that has its source in several LH'ers. I adapted it for my own uses and inserted some of my favorite Excel tricks (e.g., conditional formatting.) I'd be happy to share it if you want it.
I am also using Duotrope, though I found I wanted more than the built-in system included so hence I went with a spreadsheet.
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I use SpaceJock's Sonar2, because I haven't upgraded to Sonar3 or looked at Duotrope's tracking option.
I've based my paper filing on how I file job applications. After printing a copy of each submission, I attach the copy to any correspondence and file each packet in the appropriate folder: Submitted - No Response, Approved, or Rejected. That way, if I want to see what an editor said or how one sub differed from another, I have the information without having to type it into software or keep multiple electronic versions of the same story.
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