Are there any magazines that I can sell a short story to?

Question

Does anyone know of any magazines, that I can sell a short story to, I don't know if magazines still buy them or not.

If anyone knows of any please list them.

The story is a scinece fiction comedy about a heavily drinking merchant who tries to sell a bunch of stolen guns that are worth more than he gets. Worth much more.

Answer 1

We cannot give you specific examples because we have no idea what type of story you have written! You would not want to submit a romance and a sci-fi story to the same magazine. Different ones specialize in different things!

You will want to research journals and magazines that publish in the same genre as your story-- really look for things that print similar works. Each publisher will also have their own length guidelines-- some publications can support much longer pieces than others, so look for one that matches this as well!

You do not need to copyright your work before you begin submitting it to journals. In fact, it is looked upon as the mark of an amatuer by many editors, agents, and publishers. They will submit the paperwork when they accept your story. No legitimate companies will steal your ideas. Ideas are a dime a dozen, and they have all been done before-- the key is to take on the idea with a fresh voice!

To begin your research, take a look at the current edition of the book "Writer's Market". It is a fairly comprehensive listing of locations to submit work. Then, head down to your local public library and see if you can track down copies. Make sure it is appropriate or it will be a waste of time and postage to submit.

Each publisher has different submission guidelines, so make sure to research the specifics. Oftentimes, they are now on the web so it's much easier. Most only want you to submit one story in each submission package, and they generally have length guidelines as well.

Do not submit your story to multiple publications simultaneously unless you specify it in your cover letter and you are sure that the particular publishers accept simultaneous submissions.

For formatting your story and manuscript, see if you can locate a copy of "Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript" (which is actually published by the folks at Writer's Market). It's my favorite reference for all sorts of literary queries. I write poetry primarily, but my submission package generally includes a cover letter introducing myself and the work that I have enclosed, plus my poems (each page having my name, address, and the page number at the top). Like "Writer's Market", many public libraries have this book in their reference section!

It could take a long time, and be prepared for multiple rejections. Such is the life of an author! But, if you are persistant, you will find a home for your story.

Let me also suggest checking out the website http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/ to help you avoid other scams in every aspect of writing. It isn't the absolute authority, but it can be very helpful for research.

Answer 2

There are a lot of magazines that take short stories, but I can't give a recommendation for a specific magazine title without an idea of what age group your short story is appropriate for or what genre it is for. If you have an idea of what kind of magazine it might fit in look at the magazine or the magazine's website, it will usually say how to submit something and if it is paid or not.

For example I know the semi-professional sci-fi/ fantasy magazine The Leading Edge will take poetry, short stories, novelettes and novellas. If they decide to buy your work you get $.01 per word, minimum of $10.00.

But I have no idea if your work would fit under their criteria.

A helpful resouce for you would be any of the writers market books or The Best Magazine Markets for Writers and Magazine Markets for Children's Writers depending on what your audience for the story is.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Find a Writer's Market book either at your library or local book store. Inside, you should locate the magazine section. Purview each listing and see which of the ones listed would accept the genre you wish to submit.

Hone the craft of writing a strong query letter before submitting.

Answer 4

Yes just contact some publishing companies. I mean I dont know what kind of stories you have but the national inquiries have all kinds of stories I'm sure they want mind.

Answer 5

Reader's digest

Answer 6

Dunno about magazine but go to www.lulu.com and you can do free publishing and have it directly ordered from the company to the online buyer,
no need for buying stock, I believe they take a % of your sales

Answer 7

yes