Have you ever sold a story to a magazine?

Question

I'm gearing up to send a short sci-fi story to some sci-fi mags. How hard is it to get chosen, and what is the best way to go about it read properly? Thanks.

Answer 1

in high school years ago i sold a story "milow the frog" to the kids mag. Highlights. i sent 5 short stories and they picked one. i feel you have a better chance when you send more than one at a time. this is also what a teacher had told me. also when i sent it off i sent it in a cheery package, which i'm sure caught there eye. i only made $15.00 and got a free copy but to me that issue was priceless. good luck, hope i could help a bit.

Answer 2

It's hard to get chosen. I think the average number of rejections for something before it is accepted is 20-25.
To have it read properly, be sure to put it in a large enough envelope so that you don't fold your manuscript. Include the following in your large envelope:
1) Cover Letter
2) Manuscript
3) SASE

1) The cover letter:
You need contact info. In the top right corner, include your name, address, telephone number, and email address...all single spaced. It is nice looking to then skip a space and include the magazine's address on the left side of the page. Skip a space after this and put in the date. Skip another space and put your letter. Suppose my story is "Lollipop," and the story's word count is 400 words. Let's say the editor of 'Sci-Fi Fantasmag' (magazine title should be in italics) is Ms. Susy Creamcheese (some places like it if you have the genre editor's name; others don't; check their guidelines for this and word count limits; if they do want the editor's name, be sure to put it on your large envelope as well, with an 'ATTN: Susy Creamcheese' above the name of the magazine). Here's my letter (without the contact info.):
Dear Ms. Creamcheese,

Please consider the enclosed story, "Lollipop" (400 words) for possible publication in 'Sci-Fi Fantasmag.'

I presently have no prior publications.

Comments are greatly appreciated. Please feel free to recycle my manuscript if you decide not to use my work.

This is a simultaneous submission.

Sincerely,

Fuzzinutzz

Eventually that 'no prior publications' thing can be replaced with "I am a science fiction writer with previous publications in...."
That 'simultaneous submission' thing is important. If you send the story out to numerous magazines, you need this in there (again, check the submission guidelines, some places don't take simultaneous submissions). If you only send it out to one magazine, say "This is not a simultaneous submission." Vital info.
2) Manuscript: Readable font, such as times new roman, 12 pt., with 1" margins. It should be double-spaced. Your header should contain your last name and page number (unless specifically told otherwise in their submission guidelines).
3) SASE. I just put in a small envelope with my address and stamp. Putting in a large envelope with sufficient postage will get a return of your manuscript (provided you don't include the "Please feel free to recycle my manuscript if you decide not to use my work" line in the letter), but they usually get wrinkled and battered to the point that you can't send it out again, so I just tell them to recycle it. If you don't have a SASE, don't expect a reply.
Do expect a long wait. It's a good idea to get a log started, stating what work you sent to which magazines, and on which days. Some places take months to respond.
Do expect a blunt rejection. Some places have nice sheets of paper explaining your work just doesn't fit their present needs. Others send a post-it note saying the same thing.
Don't take the rejection personal. It happens to everyone.
If it is accepted, immediately contact the other places you sent your story to. They won't be mad if you say your work was accepted elsewhere, unless you tell them so after they decided to use it as well (they all want first publisher's rights...only one can have it).
This answer was lengthy. Thank you for making it this far. Best wishes!

Answer 3

I surely have had troublesome situations, yet felt that besides as providing nutrition and garments.. it became additionally my interest to be an occasion for my toddlers. I chosen to ask churches and different companies that help. I have been given a sparkling start up for me and my toddlers and that i stored my self appreciate and the honour of my toddlers. It is going previous in basic terms what you may do.. little ones could stay with the techniques we make additionally. i comprehend different little ones might on no account enable a baby stay down the reality that their mom is a prostitute and that they does not be stunning approximately it.

Answer 4

A few poems.

Answer 5

no.