Hi Geoff,
I've been overwhelmed by the numerous journals on-line and print. I have a paid membership with Duotrope and a free subscription of Chill Subs. I was wondering if you have some recommendations on how to build up slowly and build your bio via online and print journals. Years ago, I submitted actively; however, it was relatively easy because it took a lot of effort to send letters and self-addressed envelopes. I would just bombard print magazines with the same submission packets and eventually get a couple of hits. Now the competition seems so tough since it is so easy to make a submission. All of the places are much harder to get into.
Thanks- Debbie
Yep, lots of journals nowadays, and lots more poets submitting because of how much easier it is, which means lots more competitive places re: bios, consider that it's not just about submissions, but things you create (e.g., recurring events you run/organize, groups you start, residencies/fellowships you have, etc. For instance, my bio often includes founding diVERSES) Beyond that, it's submitting, and when you get journals you're happy to be in, include them in your bio. Don't feel like you have to name everywhere in the bio: 3-5 journals is fine.
Because there are so many out there, eventually what you may find is that you have ~10-20 journals you like the most, and you just continually submit to those most often rather than continuously finding new ones