How to Get Your Short Story Published

Short stories are fun to write and are wonderful reads when life gets a little too busy. It’s probably the case that most of the fiction I’ve read has been in this format, as opposed to novels. I can’t remember the exact details, but I really liked a section in Stephen King’s Rat (also a short story) where a struggling writer can’t complete his novel and a friend points out all the titans of literature who had very successful careers as short story writers. I very much agree. You don’t need to be a novelist to tell compelling stories; in-fact your work is more likely to be read, if accessible. Short story writing can be a career in itself, or a first step, whatever the case though, these simple tips will help you get your work published.

Know Your Options

As a short story writer, you’ll spend a lot of time writing for magazines, websites and anthology collections. If you own a blog, you may also opt to publish your story there too.

The best origin point in my opinion is competitions and magazines. By starting on this path you’ll soon find yourself being offered a place in other collections as you build a name for yourself. I should add, it is also a good idea to have a website/blog to promote your work; be aware that most of what you publish there won’t be able to be entered into comps or mags though.

Eventually, if you find your readership; you might opt to compile a short story collection of your own. You can either approach publishers or self-publish from here.

Research

If submitting to a publication or a competition associated to a comp, do your research. Not all magazines are equal, they all have different voices, a toe and tailor to particular niches. It isn’t enough to write the appropriate genre but you need to know their style.

Where possible, I would advise buying a copy or visiting their website at the very least. Read the stories, pay attention to what they have chosen to publish and what they haven’t. Are you looking at a gap in the market? Or are you seeing them adhering to their niche? More likely the latter but worth paying attention to. Especially for when you pitch.

Know the Publishing Guidelines

If there is one thing you can be sure of about editorial teams; it’s that they are busy. Far from what people like to say, the written word is not going anywhere and there is no shortage of writers out there. Editors have plenty to do. As a result, all publications have publication guidelines and if you fail to meet them, your work is going to either be returned to sender or put aside somewhere else.

Check before submitting your work. Either in the magazine, on their website or wherever else you can think of; but know what is expected of you.

Write a Cover Letter

Never submit without a covering letter. Keep it simple and to the point; try not to be verbose. The letter should feature the word count at the top, your address, a very brief description of yourself, an overview of the story and your publication background.

Know How and Where to Send

Know how are where to submit your piece. Some publications have forms to submit online, others allow you to send your work via email but a few still require written submissions. These processes also have guidelines; understand them and follow them to increase your chance of being published.

Submit Compelling Content

Finally, above all else; make sure the short story you’re looking to get published is compelling content.

Your story should stick out. When people say “write what you know”, they mean a lot of different things. However, things you are familiar with are written with confidence; that’s reflected on the page. Use every tool at your disposable to get your confidence and experience across; don’t be pretentious but allow some of your personality to shine through.

Use your unique voice to make every word count and ensure content that is unique and non-derivative. It’s not just twists and turns or plot that help make a tale feel special; it is character, tone and voice that add up to compelling content that people (publishers included) will want to share.