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I've had several friends reach out over the last few months about how to start submitting short stories to markets. I'm far more detailed in my DMs and emails, but here are some bullet points.
* First drafts should say away from submissions.
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* First drafts should say away from submissions.
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* Beta/Sensitivity readers matter. They're not just for novellas and novels.
* Polished means no (consistent) typos, a fluent storyline without plot holes, engaging characters. Short stories are short, but they still demand to be a story.
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* Polished means no (consistent) typos, a fluent storyline without plot holes, engaging characters. Short stories are short, but they still demand to be a story.
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* READ SUBMISSION DIRECTIONS. Editors have limited time and you are a d*ck if you think you deserve to ignore the instructions they give. If you have a question, reach out before the submission. But respect their time & don't ask a question obviously answered in the call.
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* Anthologies & magazines have different editing processes. Neither will edit for you. Sorry, but that's not their job. Anthologies are edited to string the stories into a cohesive book. Magazines will typically publish your story as is.
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* READ SUBMISSION DIRECTIONS. You don't want a rejection, then respect them. I scream this twice, because many writers complain their work is rejected, but they tried to work around guidelines.
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* Vet the publication. With anthologies, you need to read & reread the theme & tone they want. With magazines, read the free posted pieces. They won't want the same story over & over again, but if they want dark and you give them lollipops, they'll reject your story.
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* Keep track of your submissions. I use a spreadsheet AND these two websites:
https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/
https://duotrope.com/
If you don't track, you might send the same market a rejected story they rejected. DON'T. It's rude. They said no.
Both sites are story search sites.
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https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/
https://duotrope.com/
If you don't track, you might send the same market a rejected story they rejected. DON'T. It's rude. They said no.
Both sites are story search sites.
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* EDITORS ARE PEOPLE, FREQUENTLY FELLOW WRITERS. THEY DESERVE RESPECT. Do not *EVER* yell at or harass them. Aside from you being a sh*tty person for lashing out at someone over a rejection, you'll burn a bridge. And yes, they'll remember the person who was an assh*le.
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* You're a writer with or without publication. Rejections happen frequently. Acceptances happen, too. To hedge your bets for acceptances...
Just. Keep. Writing.
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Just. Keep. Writing.
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