Increase your chances of getting published by timing your submission
Every year, editors and publishers receive large volumes of projects and articles in July and November, when firms have finished approving photography, obtained client permissions, and finalised the text and credits. This may also be linked to firms trying to get it finished before decision-makers and teams go on holiday.
At WLA, I receive 5-10 projects via submissions or press releases per weekday during July and November. This deluge of submissions often makes it hard to read all of them and review the images to determine if they will be appropriate for WLA readers.
Here are some tips for sending projects to publications during the year:
Submit during the quieter times - As noted above, I receive a large number of submissions during July and November directly from publications, PR firms, and media platforms, which makes it "hard to stand out from the crowd". It may be better to submit during the quieter months.
Avoid the rush periods - Avoid submitting your project during the busy/rush periods and during the days before and after a conference (ASLA, IFLA, Landscape Biennale, Venice Biennale, Major city Design Weeks/Festivals, etc) unless you have an official opening at the event or city. Also avoid the period the week before and after school holidays in your city or where your preferred media outlet is based.
Avoid the holidays - Many publications are based in New York, London, Milan, Berlin, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Sydney, and each has different holiday periods. Some examples are Italy/France – August; Germany – late August; Australia – December/January; New York – July and Summer Fridays;
Also avoid cultural or religious holiday periods such as Ramadan, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Easter, Songkran Festival, National days, etc.
Cover Image by Pierre-Laurent Durantin from Pixabay