what's a good place to submit to for a first timer?

Question

I mean for poetry or fiction, so please don't say my local newspaper. Any specific place would be great!
Thanks!

Answer 1

First look at the following sites:
http://www.pw.org/
http://www.pw.org/mag/0701/submissioncalendar.htm
http://www.pw.org/links_pages/Literary_Magazines/
http://www.awpwriter.org/

There are lists for hundreds of places to submit to. Literary magazines are the starting path for hundreds of writers (expect long delays and numerous rejection letters). Ask English teachers for info. If you have a favorite author that happens to be a creative writing teacher at a university somewhere, send an email and they'll offer more advice.
As for specific places, don't send to places that request money (except for writing contests...they have reading fees and the money goes for prizes as well). It depends on what you write. Don't submit splatterpunk horror to American Literary Review. Don't submit anything to poetry.com. Ever.
If you would like a much easier to read list than the sites I provided, email me at [e-mail] and I can send you an easy to use list with links to the magazines (in the subject line put SUBMIT FICTION).
Keep three things in mind above all:
Read a lot.
Expect rejection a lot.
Keep writing a lot.
Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 2

It depends how old you are. If you're still in high-school, there are lots and lots and lots of writing/poetry contests. Talk to your English teacher or do an internet search for "teen writing contests". If you aren't high school aged, then there are still lots of places to submit. Don't submit any writing to a contest or publisher that wants your money before they publish your work. If you submit it to a few, local places with success, you can try submitting work to agents currently accepting new writers. Going to writing conferences is often very helpful, not only for learning about your craft, but also for meeting lots of people in the business. It helps a lot if you live near New York City, because that is where the US's greatest concentration of publishers is, but I'm sure that you can find publishers/agents/contests in your area. Good luck!