Allow time for paper processing. Use staff as resources and ask lots of questions. Get to know other graduate students, both those who are parallel to your progress and those who are farther in their programs. They are a source of encouragement and of information about the process. Share your writing with others for their critiques.
Scholarly publishing makes public what for many is a very private activity.
Keep informed of scholarships, assistantships, and job opportunities. Put the word out. Apply right away and keep applying. Hang in there. Stick to it.