‘Green was the silence, wet was the light, the month of June
trembled like a butterfly’
–Pablo Neruda
At Submittable’s home base in Missoula, May means longer days, trees in bloom, and a collective sigh of relief as winter departs. We’ve been getting swimsuit-ready, and making our software shine brighter, like this:
Gallery View
Image is everything almost all of the time. Our Gallery View feature enables you to create an interactive collection of photos, videos, or audio for public review. Hosting a contest? Collecting user-generated content? Looking to create a visual petition? Gallery View is a simple and elegant option.
See it in action and join the fun. Using Gallery View, Submittable recently launched the What Now? Contest, to celebrate graduation and encourage MFA degree-holders in creative writing to get weird. Two winners will be awarded customized, career-enhancing packages that include an agent consultation, writing retreat or workshop, and career counseling session. So far: a waltz and a watermelon. We can’t wait for your take – send a video, vote for some favorites.
Internal Fields
Submittable is dedicated to creating the features you ask for. Meet our newest: Internal Fields. With Internal Fields, you can privately add and view data inside a completed submission form. For example, level 4 and 5 team members could record how much money a grant recipient has received to date, or upload and store a private document for internal use only. This feature is included with all plan levels. Learn more here.
In The Workplace
Episode Two
of the Submishmash Podcast features Ali Knapp, Chief Operating Officer at Wisetail, discussing the recipe for a successful workplace culture. Stay tuned for more audio programming – focused on technology, creativity, diversity, and female-identified perspectives – coming soon.
In May, Submittable talked with Ricardo Sandoval Palos, the current Fund for Investigative Journalism Board President, about journalism grants, media integrity, and the future of reporting.
To find out how Submittable can improve your grants management process, check out a new case study featuring the Indian Country Economic Development Program, a division of Montana’s Department of Commerce.
For Submitters
One of our top priorities is making sure submitters to your organization have a positive experience with our software. We’ve made a number of updates to this end:
- The Following page in the Discover feature now indicates the number of open opportunities your organization has, with a direct link to your website, allowing interested parties to easily keep up with your latest and send you their best.
Submitters using our mobile app, with notifications enabled, will now receive updates when any action is taken on their submission, including when you send them an email, if their submission is in-progress, when a reference request is completed, and more.- When users export their submission list, the spreadsheet now displays any fees paid or purchases made. No digging for receipts if, for example, a writer wants to deduct their fiction submission fee (and the fabulous journal edition they bought from you), come tax time.
On the Road Again
From Sin City to the Big Apple, Submittable is making the rounds. In Las Vegas on June 10, join us for a special event celebrating Submittable’s first Eliza So Fellow, Melissa R. Sipin. She’ll be reading at The Writer’s Block with local writer Brittany Bronson beginning at 7 p.m., followed by Q&A.
Submittable team members Madison and Caroline are in NYC for the 2017 BookExpo through June 2. Visit them at table #457 for free mobile app coupons, sweet swag, and the latest on how Submittable can work perfectly for you.
Guests
Three guest authors discussed the writing life on Submittable’s blog in May. Naomi Elster highlighted the benefits of writing for free, Gabriela Denise Frank honored the wisdom gained through rejection, and Melinda Fargo revealed how ambition dulled her creative joy.
Perhaps you’d like to share your own take on writing, art, publishing, technology, or new media. We welcome your submissions to the blog.
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Here’s to warm times and safe summering. Thank you for supporting Submittable.
Rachel Mindell is Senior Editor for Submittable's Marketing Team. She also writes and teaches poetry. You can find Rachel's creative work here: rachelmindell.com