You’ve written something you’re proud of. You think it’s some of your best work. You want others to have the chance to read it. So, you submit it for publication. But what happens next?

V Press LC receives quite a few submissions for publication. Currently, they are accepting submissions for both their bi-annual literary anthology Running with Water and their General Book category. Because the anthology allows all genres and has no set theme the submissions vary greatly as do the genres of the books submitted. Writers share their moving poetry, thrilling nonfiction, and entertaining fiction in the hopes of being published, of being accessible to readers across the world.

As an intern at V Press LC, I have had the pleasure of reading many of these submissions. This has been such a neat experience for me. By exposing myself to so many different styles and techniques I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone. I’ve read things I might otherwise have not

While I have become a better reader and writer by working with these submissions I know that readers of the accepted submissions will be a better reader and writer by reading them. Each submission bears the mark of its authors’ love and hard work. Their willingness to share their work affects so many people, whether it’s someone simply reading it to enjoy it or someone reading it to learn how they can write such an amazing piece on their own.

Sharing your work is not easy. It opens you up to the potential for rejection. It shines a spotlight on your imperfections. But taking that brave step can be the ripple that starts a wave. You gain experience as a writer when you take risks. You learn how to handle praise and constructive criticism. You have the chance to see your work in print. Readers will be exposed to your writing. Most will see the truth in it, and the beauty of the story you are sharing. Some will be impacted by it and come away changed. Who knows what this could inspire in a reader? Who knows where this could take them?