Most short stories writers have their quota of rejections. In a competitive market, it pays to put a little extra work into pleasing the editors and their readers. Some of the following suggestions might make a difference.
Read Published Stories
Some writers try to sell work to magazines without reading the kind of stories they publish. This is basic market research and should be the first step for beginners. By reading published stories, a writer will start to absorb the structure and tone of the stories that particular editors prefer. Guidelines are fine up to a point, but it is better to read the actual stories in the magazine if possible.
Study the Target Market
Study at least three issues of the chosen market in depth. This covers the following:
- Advertisements, all of which have been targeted to the particular readership.
- The letters and problem pages, which reflect the ages, issues and interests of readers.
- Editorial and features, which give an indication of the type of reader being addressed.
Submit a Story that Suits the Publication
This is often one of the most difficult things to get right, and it is one of the main reasons why so many stories are rejected. Having studied the published stories in the targeted magazine, it is essential to understand whether they use the short, popular type of stories, or the more thoughtful, insightful kind. Submit the preferred length of story, the age range of characters, and their type of background and jobs.
Decide on the Viewpoint
When beginning to write short stories, it is probably best to stick to one point of view throughout. Writers should be careful not to change viewpoint in the middle of a paragraph. If the story is told from two characters’ points of view, it is best to make this clear by separating paragraphs with an extra double space when changing viewpoints.
Experiment with First and Third Person Voice
Sometimes a writer chooses to write a story in a particular voice by instinct. Often it depends on the type of story, as some naturally lend themselves to first person more than third. If a first person story doesn’t work, writers can try writing it in the third person. It is worth experimenting with rejected stories, as a different voice might be more successful.
Look out for a New Editor
Magazines often suddenly change their staff. Editors move between publications, and new people are regularly appointed to the role. Sometimes, it means there is no longer a short story slot in the magazine. At other times, it is an opportunity to resubmit a story that was previously rejected, as editors have different tastes. This is another reason to keep up to date with chosen markets.
Try Competitions
Competitions offer an opportunity to submit stories that might not fit a magazine. There is probably more chance of being a winner in the smaller competitions, or those that are fairly new. Many writing magazines have a monthly competition. There are also competitions online, some of which offer publication as well as prize money. Many are open to international writers.
Check Overseas Markets
There are many overseas short story markets available to writers. The most well known are probably in America, Australia, Canada and the UK. Previously published stories may be submitted to some, if the writer still holds all other Rights. It is a courtesy to mention if the story has been published. A few magazines offer a slightly lower rate for these, but it is still good payment.
Keep an Ideas Book
Many writers have a good idea but forget it by the time they find a pen and paper. It might be a title, a line from a song, or a brief outline for a story. The important thing is to keep everything in a notebook, or loose-leaf folder until needed, rather than on scraps of paper. A particular subject or theme might suddenly suit a competition, for instance.
There are still many short story markets at home and abroad. But the competition is rising each year as new writers try to be published. It is essential to keep up to date with publications and to give editors the kind of story their readers expect. That way leads to success.
Rosemary Gemmell - Professional freelance writer of published short stories and articles in the UK, US and online. Author of historical romance and ...
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