Breaking into the Editorial World

Every creative remembers the first time they saw their work printed in a magazine, that mix of pride, disbelief, and quiet satisfaction that all those unpaid test shoots were worth it. But before that moment comes the often confusing process of how to get published, and more importantly, which magazines actually accept submissions.

At FAULT Magazine, we’ve always believed that talent should be seen, not gatekept. That’s why we continue to welcome submissions from photographers, stylists, designers, make-up artists, and creative teams across the world. If you’re serious about building your editorial portfolio in 2025, this guide is for you.

1. Start With Magazines That Genuinely Accept Submissions

Let’s save you some time: FAULT Magazine accepts submissions, and we’d love to see your work. Whether you’re shooting couture in a studio or capturing a story on 35mm film, we want to see editorials that feel authentic, considered, and visually strong. Send your fashion submissions to:
? [email protected]

Before you hit send, have a browse through our latest fashion editorials to get a feel for our visual direction and tone. We value individuality, but also editorial cohesion. When submitting, include:

• A short concept or story description
• 6–10 final retouched images (no watermarks)
• Full team credits
• A link to your portfolio or social media

You’d be surprised how often submissions miss one of these, and it can make all the difference.

2. Know Where Your Work Belongs

There’s no shortage of magazines in 2025, but not every title will be the right fit for you. Some publications champion avant-garde artistry, others lean towards commercial minimalism. As editors, we can always tell when someone’s taken the time to research our publication. It shows in the tone of their email, their image selection, and how well their story sits with the rest of our issue. If you’re not sure where your style fits, start smaller, submit often, and learn what resonates.

3. Follow Each Magazine’s Submission Guidelines (Yes, We Do Notice)

Every magazine has its quirks. Some prefer Dropbox links, others ask for portrait orientation only. None of this is meant to make your life harder, it’s simply part of maintaining consistency across a publication. Following submission guidelines signals professionalism. Ignoring them tells us you probably haven’t read the issue you’re hoping to be part of. At FAULT, we keep things simple. Just send your submission with proper credits and a clear narrative, no gimmicks required.

4. Don’t Pay to Be Published (Unless It’s Clearly Explained)

A word of warning: some online magazines now charge “submission fees”. A few use the money to keep small publications afloat, but many simply profit from hopeful contributors. Established platforms like FAULT, HUNGER, and Contributor Magazine do not charge for submissions. If a magazine’s ethos isn’t transparent, trust your instincts. Exposure should be earned through your work, not bought through a PayPal link.

5. Your Email Matters More Than You Think

It might sound minor, but your submission email is often your first impression. Keep it polite, concise, and confident. Here’s the kind of structure editors appreciate:

Subject: Editorial Submission – “TITLE” by [Your Name]

Hi FAULT Team,
I’d love to submit my recent editorial “Rebirth”, exploring the evolution of identity through contemporary styling.

Full credits below, and here’s a WeTransfer link to the final images.

Best,
[Your Name / Instagram handle]

Keep attachments under 2MB, and make sure your links actually work (you’d be amazed how often they don’t).

6. Don’t Let Rejection Knock Your Confidence

Even the strongest submissions get turned down sometimes. It’s rarely personal, we might already have a similar shoot scheduled, or your images don’t fit the next issue’s theme. The creatives who go on to build lasting editorial careers are the ones who take feedback gracefully, improve, and come back stronger. Many of FAULT’s regular contributors started with a simple cold submission. That’s the beauty of this industry, talent really can break through.

7. Stay Ready and Stay Visible

Editors plan months ahead. If you want to stay on the radar, follow the magazines you love on social media (you can find ours at @FAULTMagazine). We often share upcoming issue themes, contributor calls, and behind-the-scenes previews. When the right opportunity arises, you’ll be ready to send something relevant, not rushed.

Why FAULT Magazine Continues to Accept Submissions

For over a decade, FAULT has spotlighted creativity across fashion, music, film, and art, giving space to both emerging and established names. We see every submission as a potential collaboration, not just content. If you’re searching for magazines which accept submissions, you’ve already found one that genuinely does. Submit your work to [email protected], explore our fashion archive, and take the first step towards your next publication.