You know the feeling all too well. You just submitted your latest piece to a literary journal, and now you can't stop checking your email. Every ping, every notification has you on edge. It's like you're waiting for a prize to be delivered, and you're constantly checking the front door.
Sound familiar?
It can feel like you're alone when submitting your work and waiting to hear back, but the truth is that thousands of writers are going through the same thing.
Let's face it: We can't rush the process. It takes time for editors to read submissions, deliberate, and make decisions.
At the same time, I sometimes feel like an unhinged person, checking my email or logging in to Submittable multiple times a day. It got me thinking: How can I break free from this obsessive checking habit and maintain my sanity?
I don't have solutions yet, but here are some things I'm finding helpful. I thought I'd share in case they're helpful to other writers, too:
Set Specific Check-In Times
Instead of constantly refreshing my inbox, I'm scheduling specific times to check my email and submission portals. Right now, this is once every morning, afternoon, and evening.
I know, I know...this still sounds like a lot. But at least I'm not checking two or three times an hour! This way, you’re not constantly bombarded with notifications, and you can focus on other things, like writing or spending time with loved ones.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
When the anxiety starts to creep in, I find falling back on my meditation practice extremely helpful. Here's what you can do: Start by taking a few deep breaths. Focus on your breath, and let go of any worries or distractions.
Meditation helps calm your mind and reduce stress in so many other ways besides quelling the urge to check on submissions. And if meditation isn't your thing, try yoga or tai chi to relax your body and mind.
Engage in Distracting Activities
This is one I've been doing to keep my mind in check for ages. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or the urge to check my email, I distract my brain!
For me, playing with my cats, writing something fun, painting a picture, or trying out a new recipe works wonders. I've also noticed that engaging in creative and physical activities helps me stay focused and productive... but some downtime with Netflix can work, too. :)
Limit Screen Time & Turn Off Notifications
Sometimes, the best way to break the cycle of constant checking is to simply step away from the screen. I've found that taking a digital detox and spending time in nature, reading a book, or socializing with my writing friends helps.
Another helpful change? Turning off notification on my phone. If you're checking things on a schedule (see above), you won't miss a thing. And you'll be surprised at how much more relaxed and productive you'll feel.
Trust the Submission Process
It's important to remember that the submission process takes time. Or at least, that's what I keep reminding myself.
In other words, there's no point in stressing out about it. It's going to take the amount of time it takes, and stress-checking the status of your submission isn't going to change the outcome.
Keep on Writing & Submitting
The thing that is helping me the most, though? Writing new stories and sending out more and more and more of my work. I'm hoping that once I have a large body of work polished and out for submission, I'll know that any given week I might hear back...and so the impulse to check will subside.
The next time you find yourself obsessively checking your email or a submission manager, remember that you're not alone. I'm there with you, taking a deep breath, putting down the phone, and trusting the process.
And if all else fails, just remember that there's always more coffee to be drunk and more cat videos to be watched. :)
Peace & plenty,
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