Is Send Something free forever?

You can stay on the free account for as long as you like, but you can only accept up to ten submissions.

Is it mandatory to use your AI tools?

No. ASH AI is turned off by default for all users. You have full control over whether to activate and use these features. To use our AI capabilities, you must actively opt in by enabling them in your settings. If you choose not to enable our AI tools, none of your submissions or data will be processed through these systems. Your experience with our core services remains unchanged, and you can continue to use all standard features without any AI enhancement. We believe in giving you choices about how you interact with our platform. Whether you decide to leverage our AI capabilities for increased efficiency or prefer to stick with our traditional tools, the decision is entirely yours.

Do you use submissions to train your AI model?

No, we do not use your submissions to train our AI models. When you use our AI Tools, your data is only processed to deliver the specific service you've requested. Neither Send Something nor any of our Third-Party AI Service providers (AWS and Google) will use your data to train machine learning models. We follow strict data minimisation principles, meaning we only transmit the data necessary for each specific AI request. Your information is not retained beyond the processing session and is not used for any purpose other than fulfilling your immediate request. This commitment to protecting your data is formalised in our Terms for AI Features, which explicitly states that customer data will not be used for training purposes. We believe in transparent data practices and respecting your privacy while providing powerful AI-enhanced tools.

What are my payment options?

Just enter your card details when you upgrade and you'll automatically be billed on a monthly or annual basis. If you require a different mode of payment, please reach out to us directly.

What happens when I hit my ten submissions on the free plan?

When you hit the ten submission limit, we'll prompt you to add in payment details. Don't worry, you won't lose any data and live submissions will continue to come into your account, however, you will not be able to access them.

I'd like to add another organisation. Is this possible to add to my account?

Yes! You can add multiple organisations to your Send Something account. You will be billed for each new organisation you'd like to add to your account. Please reach out for more details.

How can I cancel my subscription?

If on the monthly subscription, you can cancel your account at any time. Your account will remain open until the end of your billing cycle. If signed up to an annual plan, your account will remain active until the end of your billing cycle.

I'm stopping submissions for a while. Can I pause my account?

Yes! You have the option to pause your account on every plan. We'll keep your account on ice, keep your setup complete and data safe so you can come back later.

Submission Fees in Literary Publishing: Finding the Right Balance - Send Something

The debate over submission fees in literary publishing touches on fundamental questions about accessibility, sustainability, and the value of creative work. As someone deeply embedded in the literary publishing ecosystem, I've witnessed firsthand how this decision impacts both publications and writers. Let's navigate this complex landscape together.

The Current State of Submission Fees

Literary magazines today operate in a challenging environment where traditional funding sources are increasingly scarce. A quick survey of the landscape reveals:

45% of literary magazines charge submission fees
Average fees range from $2 to $5
Higher-tier publications may charge up to $25 for special features
Many offer fee-free submission periods or alternatives

The Case for Submission Fees

Financial Sustainability

Running a literary magazine involves numerous costs that often go unrecognized:

Editorial staff compensation
Digital infrastructure maintenance
Marketing and promotion
Production costs (for print publications)
Submission management software

Quality Control

Implementing a nominal fee can:

Reduce spam submissions
Encourage writers to submit their best work
Help cover administrative costs
Support fair payment for contributors

Professional Development

Fees can enable magazines to:

Provide detailed feedback
Offer editorial mentorship
Maintain higher acceptance rates
Pay contributors professional rates

The Case Against Submission Fees

Accessibility Concerns

Submission fees can:

Create barriers for marginalized voices
Disadvantage emerging writers
Limit diversity in literary publishing
Perpetuate existing inequities

Ethical Considerations

Critics argue that:

Writers shouldn't pay to have their work considered
Fees can exploit desperate writers
The model may favor privileged voices
Alternative funding sources should be explored

Finding Middle Ground: A Hybrid Approach

Many successful literary magazines have adopted nuanced approaches that balance sustainability with accessibility:

Tiered Submission Options

Standard Free Submissions
- Longer response times
- Basic editorial feedback
- Standard consideration
Premium Paid Submissions
- Expedited response times
- Detailed editorial feedback
- Special consideration for themed issues

Strategic Fee Implementation

Fee-free submission periods
Waiver programs for marginalized writers
Member/subscriber benefits
Tiered pricing based on submission type

Setting the Right Price

When implementing submission fees, consider these factors:

Market Analysis

Research comparable publications
Understand your target audience
Consider your publication's prestige
Evaluate your unique offering

Cost Calculation

Factor in:

Platform fees (e.g., Send Something subscription)
Payment processing costs (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
Staff time and resources
Additional services offered

Recommended Fee Structure

Based on industry standards and operational costs:

Basic Submissions:

$3-5 for standard submissions
$0 during designated periods
Fee waivers for specific groups

Premium Services:

$10-15 for expedited review
$15-25 for detailed feedback
$20-30 for specialized submissions

Implementation Best Practices

1. Clear Communication

Explicitly state where fees go
Explain value-added services
Detail alternative submission options
Maintain transparency about the process

2. Technology Integration

Using Send Something's platform, you can:

Set up multiple submission tiers
Automate fee collection
Track submission analytics
Manage fee waivers efficiently

3. Regular Assessment

Monitor and evaluate:

Submission volume and quality
Revenue vs. operational costs
Writer feedback and satisfaction
Impact on diversity metrics

Making It Work with Send Something

Our platform provides flexible tools to implement your chosen fee structure:

Customisable Fee Settings
- Set different fees for various submission types
- Implement automatic fee waivers
- Schedule fee-free periods
- Track fee-related analytics
Secure Payment Processing
- Integration with Stripe
- Automated receipt generation
- Transparent fee breakdown
- Simplified accounting
Enhanced Value Delivery
- Automated submission tracking
- Integrated feedback systems
- Status update notifications
- Analytics and reporting

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

The decision to charge submission fees isn't binary. Success lies in finding a model that:

Supports your publication's sustainability
Maintains accessibility
Provides value to writers
Aligns with your mission

Whether you choose to implement fees or not, the key is to make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances and community needs. Send Something's flexible platform supports whatever approach you choose, helping you focus on what matters most: discovering and sharing great literature.

Want to explore how Send Something can help implement your ideal submission fee structure? Contact us for a personalised consultation.