You've written something you're proud of — maybe a personal essay, a poem that's been sitting in your notes app for months, or an opinion piece on something you can't stop thinking about. Now comes the part that stops most beginners cold: actually submitting it somewhere. Where do you send it? What format do editors expect? Do you need an agent? This guide walks you through the entire process, step by step, including the exact submission details for THE OPINIONS, Dawn, and The Express Tribune, so your first submission isn't a shot in the dark.
Why Submitting Your Writing Matters
A lot of good writing never gets read simply because the writer never submitted it anywhere. Publishing your work — even on a smaller platform — does three things: it gets real readers' eyes on your writing, it gives you a published byline you can point to later, and it forces you to polish your work to a standard you might not reach if you're only writing for yourself. You don't need to start with a major magazine. Smaller, growing platforms are often the best place to build confidence and a portfolio.
Understand What Different Publications Want
Articles and Opinion Pieces
These are usually timely, argument-driven, and written in a clear, direct voice. Editors look for a strong point of view, not just a summary of facts. Most outlets expect articles between 700 and 1,500 words, though this varies widely, so always check.
Essays
Essays — personal, reflective, or narrative — give you more room to explore an idea or experience in depth. They're judged less on "being right" and more on honesty, structure, and whether the writing stays with the reader after they finish it.
Poems
Poetry submissions are usually judged on voice, imagery, and craft rather than topic. Most places ask for a small batch (often 3 to 5 poems) rather than a single piece, since editors want to see range and consistency in your style.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Your Submission
- Research the publication first. Read a few previously published pieces before you submit. This tells you the tone, length, and type of writing they actually publish — not just what their "about" page claims.
- Follow the formatting guidelines exactly. If a publication asks for Times New Roman, double-spaced, with your name on every page, do exactly that. Ignoring formatting rules is one of the fastest ways to get rejected without your writing even being read.
- Write a short, professional cover note or pitch. Two or three sentences is enough: what the piece is, why it fits this publication, and a one-line bio. Skip the over-explaining — let the writing speak for itself.
- Proofread more than once. Read your piece out loud, or let it sit for a day before a final read-through. Typos and grammar mistakes are the easiest, most avoidable reason for a quick rejection.
- Check the simultaneous submission policy. Some publications are fine with you submitting the same piece elsewhere at the same time; others require exclusivity until they respond. Always check before sending the same piece to multiple places.
Common Submission Formats Explained
Not every publication accepts submissions the same way. Here are the three you'll run into most often:
- Online submission form: You fill in your piece, bio, and contact details directly on the publication's website. This is the most common method for blogs and online magazines.
- Email submission: You send your piece as an attachment (usually a .docx or .pdf) or pasted directly into the email body, along with a short pitch in the message itself.
- Query letter first: For some larger or print publications, you pitch the idea before writing the full piece, and only write it once an editor expresses interest.
What to Include in Your Submission
| Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Your full piece, properly formatted | Shows you can follow instructions and respect the editor's time |
| A short author bio (1–2 sentences) | Used for your byline if the piece gets published |
| A brief pitch or cover note | Tells the editor why this piece fits their platform |
| Contact information | So the editor can reach you about edits or acceptance |
| Word count | Helps editors judge fit at a glance before they even open the file |
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Submitting without reading any of the publication's previous work first
- Sending the exact same generic pitch to dozens of publications at once
- Ignoring the stated word count or formatting guidelines
- Submitting a first draft instead of a polished, proofread version
- Taking a rejection personally instead of treating it as normal part of the process
- Not keeping track of where and when you submitted a piece
What Happens After You Submit
- Silence isn't always rejection. Many publications only reply if they're interested, or their stated response window may simply be longer than you expect.
- Rejection is normal, even for good writing. Most published writers have far more rejections than acceptances. Fit, timing, and available space matter just as much as quality.
- You can revise and resubmit. If a publication passes, that doesn't mean the piece is bad — it may just not have been right for them. Consider their feedback (if given), then look for the next fit.
How to Submit to THE OPINIONS
THE OPINIONS exists for voices that deserve to be heard — whether you are a university student, a teacher, or an independent writer with a personal essay, an opinion piece on something happening in Pakistan or beyond, an article, a translation, or a poem you've been sitting on. The submission process is kept simple, transparent, and beginner-friendly.
Where to submit: You don't need to worry about complex email attachments. Simply head to the Publications Submission Form directly on the website and paste your written piece into the form as text.
What's accepted: Original articles, opinion pieces, personal or analytical essays, poems, and translations.
What you'll need to provide:
- Your full name and the title of your work
- The written piece itself (submitted directly as text)
- An author profile picture to appear alongside your byline (female writers may upload any image or illustration of their choice instead of a personal photo)
- Your CNIC number (plus an optional phone number/address) — this is used strictly for verification and accountability, so every piece on the platform comes from a real author. Your CNIC, phone number, and address are kept strictly private and are never displayed publicly
Byline and review process: Every submission is reviewed by the editorial team before publication. Once approved, your work is published on the website with full credit under your name, title, and chosen profile image.
Want to contribute regularly? If you plan to write on an ongoing basis, you can register through the Membership Form. Approved members receive an official Digital Membership Card as part of the THE OPINIONS community.
Have a question before you submit, or want to check in on a piece? Reach out anytime at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at 03359646932.
How to Submit to Dawn
If you're ready to pitch one of Pakistan's largest English-language publications, Dawn accepts submissions from freelance writers and first-time contributors across several desks — provided your work is original and exclusive to them.
Where to send your work:
- Print Opinion (Op-Ed): Analytical, argument-driven pieces (800–1,000 words) to [email protected]
- Prism (Dawn.com Digital Opinion): Online commentary and long-form essays (800–1,200 words) to [email protected]
- Eos & Books (Sunday Magazines): Cultural essays, social features, or literary reviews to [email protected] or [email protected]
- Letters to the Editor: Short, focused points on current issues (150–250 words) to [email protected] (must include your full name, CNIC number, postal address, and phone number for verification)
Submission format: Include a short 2–3 sentence pitch in the email body, paste your full article below it, and attach the piece as a .docx file. Include a one-line author bio at the end of your draft, along with a clear headshot photo if you are a first-time contributor.
Exclusivity and response time: Dawn does not accept simultaneous submissions or previously published work. If your piece is timely and hasn't been picked up within 5 to 7 days, you are generally free to pitch it elsewhere.
How to Submit to The Express Tribune
The Express Tribune is one of the most accessible major English-language platforms in Pakistan for both established columnists and emerging writers — particularly through its online blogs desk.
Where to send your work:
- Print Opinion (Op-Ed): Analytical, policy-focused articles (750–900 words) to [email protected]
- Tribune Blogs (Digital Opinion): Personal essays, social commentary, and topical opinion pieces (600–1,000 words) to [email protected] — an excellent starting point for first-time and student writers
- Sunday Magazine: Cultural essays, book reviews, and human-interest features (800–1,200 words) to [email protected]
- Letters to the Editor: Brief, focused letters on current affairs (150–250 words) to [email protected], along with your full name, city, and contact number
Submission format: Write a short pitch in the email body, paste the full text below it, and attach the piece as a .docx file. Include a one-line author bio at the end of your article and attach a clear headshot photo. Use inline hyperlinks for any facts or figures rather than academic footnotes.
Exclusivity and response time: Submissions must be original and exclusive. Timely opinion pieces and blogs typically receive a response within 3 to 7 days if selected for publication.
Quick Comparison: Where Should You Submit First?
| Publication | Best For | Response Time |
|---|---|---|
| THE OPINIONS | First-time writers, students, poems, translations | Reviewed by editorial team, no fixed window |
| Dawn | Established, analytical op-eds and cultural essays | 5–7 days |
| The Express Tribune | Student and first-time writers (via Tribune Blogs) | 3–7 days |
Final Tips for First-Time Writers
- Start with platforms that are actively growing — they're often more open to new writers than long-established outlets.
- Keep a simple spreadsheet of where you've submitted, when, and the response.
- Don't wait for the "perfect" piece. Submit your best current draft, and keep writing while you wait to hear back.
- Every published writer was once a first-time submitter. The only real difference between a published writer and an unpublished one is that the first one hit send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to submit my writing?
Legitimate publications, including most blogs, magazines, and literary journals, do not charge a fee to submit. Be cautious of anyone asking for payment just to consider your work — this is a common red flag.
Can beginners get published without any prior experience?
Yes. Most publications care about the quality and fit of the piece in front of them, not your past credits. Everyone's first published piece happens at some point — yours can too.
How many poems should I send in one submission?
Most publications ask for a small batch, typically 3 to 5 poems, so they can get a sense of your range and style rather than judging you on a single piece.
Is it okay to submit the same piece to multiple publications at once?
Only if the publication's guidelines allow simultaneous submissions. Dawn and The Express Tribune, for example, both require exclusivity. Always check this first, and if your piece is accepted elsewhere, promptly notify any other publications you submitted it to.
Why do some publications ask for a CNIC number?
Platforms like THE OPINIONS and Dawn request your CNIC strictly for identity verification and accountability, so every published piece can be traced to a real author. This information is kept private and is never displayed publicly alongside your byline.
What should I do if my piece gets rejected?
Treat it as normal, not personal. Reread the piece with fresh eyes, make any improvements you think it needs, and send it to the next publication on your list.