How would you go about getting a short story published in a magazine or the like?

Question

Should I mail the entire story to a newspaper or magazine, or should I include a snippit of the work with a synopsis of the story? How do I find out where to send it? How do I negotiate payment?

Answer 1

First, categorize your short story -- fiction or non-fiction. Then determine the sub-category. Example: fiction, mystery.

Once you have this information, go online and search for magazines that deal with exactly what you have written. Most magazines will have a link to their submission guidelines. Read them carefully and understand them.

You should also pick up a book on manuscript formats (Writer's Digest Guide to Manuscript Formats is older but still good) so you have examples of what your manuscript should look like. And pick up a copy of Writer's Market. There is a list of magazines and book publishers and so much more. It is a writer's 'bible'.

It's not that difficult anymore to have short stories published. There are many sites online that are eager to publish (and many will pay) your stories because it provides fresh content for their site. Many magazines have an online version.

Some magazines will allow you to query by email. If you don't know what a query is and how to write an exciting one, that's your first step. A query is like an advertisement. You have to hook them! And you have the first paragraph to do that. Never send an entire manuscript, even for a short story, unless the publisher/magazine has asked for it. Query first, wait a week or two for a reply (or whatever they recommend on their site), then politely inquire again.

The key is to give them what they want. If a publisher wants a scene by scene outline, give it to them. If they want two paragraphs, give them the best condensed version of your story.

There are also many sites that list "freelance writing opportunities". Search for them. There are even blogs that welcome stories for content. If you're just starting out, it is at least a writing credit.

With short stories, there isn't much negotiating of payment. You can try, but most magazines have a clear set payment schedule.

All the best in your writing success!

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song (2007 Kunati Books), Divine Intervention and The River
(fiction...mystery...hehe)

http://www.cherylktardif.com

Answer 2

First, either research on the interent or go to the library and find a magazine or periodical that entails to your genre. At the library they will have books that have listings of all the different magazines, what the magazines look for, and the format the magazine editors are looking for. Then, type up a cover letter briefly explaining what you wrote, and a brief synopsis on the story. Mail this to your chosen magazine with a self addressed envelope and give it two to four months. And, as a writer I suggest finding more than one magazine to send it to. If you get a rejection, send it on to another magazine. Good luck and keep writing.

Answer 3

You do your research and find magazines that publish stories like yours. You submit the double-spaced manuscript to the editor. If you want it back if rejected, include a postage-paid return envelope. Otherwise all you'll get is a rejection notice. If you're a totally unknown writer, your manuscript will sit on a "slush pile" until the editor gets a chance to read it, so don't expect an answer for a couple of months. Oh yeah, the first page of the manuscript should have a short summery of what the story is about. Payment is usually on a per word basis. Good luck.

Answer 4

First do your homework. You wouldn't send a historical fiction to National Geographic or an adult romance story to Highlights. Find out what magazines publish your story genre. Then e-mail or write them asking for their submission guidelines. If you use snail mail be sure to include a self addressed stamped envelope. Once you receive the submission guidelines, go from there and follow it EXACTLY as they want.

Answer 5

Decide where you want to send your story, i.e, name of publication. Most magazines list contact information, on where/how to submit material, if they use material written by someone other than staff writers.

If you can't find it in the magazine, look at their online website, they may have a "Contact Us" link where you can ask your question.

Answer 6

Ask your reference librarian.