Yesterday I wrote of the "value" of rejection.  For thoise  beginning to submit, be sure to check the word limit required in the publication's websute.  An editor does not have time to edit your precious words to fit into the space he needs to fill.  Do your own editing, revising, until the word count fits the requirements.  Note also:  Sometimes  guidelines say, "no personal essays." Pay attention.  Carefully read all the guidelines.  Also, some publication offer a list of subject matter for the coming year. with a different emphasis each issue. If something in your file meets these requirements or can be tweaked tro fit, consider this.  Yes, re-write requires lots of time and patience and financial rewards  rarely pay the editor more than a penny an hour for his efforts.  But the "rewards" of having your words published are the "carrots in front of the donkey"–encouraging you to keep trying.