I've written short fiction my whole life, but I've never really considered trying to publish anything until now. I was wondering if anyone has advice on how to successfully get a short story published for the first time? I just think that the publishing process and giving it a try would be fun. I don't really care if I get paid, but I'd like to try with a legit publisher, whether it be print or internet.
Information on different publishers and just different tips in general are greatly appreciated.
?2013-04-04T16:51:38Z
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I dont know much about writing but my sister is a writer and she has always said that when trying to get something published you get declined A LOT. Just keep finding new publishers and keep trying until you find one that will accept your story. The greatest book series, Harry Potter, got declined 3 times so imagine how hard it can be. The Notebook got rejected 24 times before it was accepted. So in a nut shell, the first rule is do NOT give up. My sister is looking into publishing novels, so they may be a bit different, but short stories I could imagine are the same way. Find an agent, a good one who won't take advantage of you, and do the research. You'll have to do lots of research to make sure you find a good one. Then, you have to expect failure. A lot of failure. Well, less failure and more just rejection. You only fail when you give up. DON'T give up. Don't be discouraged! These agents have PILES AND PILES of stories stacked up to read and very few of those are actually chosen to try to get published. There's a good chance you will get rejected multiple times. The times for every author varies from person to person. It's not because your book is bad, it's just that that particular agent didn't accept it. Steven King got rejected DOZENS of times for his book, "Carrie." William Golding's "Lord of Flies" was rejected 20 times. 15 publishers rejected, "Diary of Anne Frank." One even went as far as stating, "“The girl doesn't, it seems to me, have a special perception or feeling which would lift that book above the 'curiosity' level." Shocking, considering how famous it is. Basically, whatever these agents say you really shouldn't take to heart. All it takes to be a writer is integrity, determination and endurance... also the inspiration to get it done :) And if you believe in yourself (sounds cheesy, I know..), you can do it. (PS... some of this answer was written by my sister xD) If you can't publish a short story, try a collection of short stories! And if not that, go long and try your hand at writing a novel, if you're up to it ;) That's all the advice I can give at the moment but good luck!
try duotrope.com for a list of magazines. Which magazines you submit to will depend on the genre of your story. You probably don't want to try writer's market because you have to pay for that info and it's just a short story and prolly not worth the cost + you can find the mags free online without paying.
The only advice is that you have to be better than most people submitting. I've read advice from magazine editors and they say most people who submit to them have pretty good stories that are well written, the problem is that the stories are usually too generic to print. And, personally, I have to admit that most of the short stories I've read have been highly unique. Just go to some of the mags websites and some of them will have advice for writers who are submitting. & follow the mags guidelines - each mag has its own set of guidelines. And, of course, write the next story in case this one never sells and keep repeating the process.
As far as publishers, you might find some epublishers who buy short stories, but none of the bigger publishers buy single stories.
To my knowledge, there isn't a great short story market, but there are many opportunities for publishing on line. Google "short story" and it comes up with many web sites.