How to Publish a Short Story

When it comes to getting short stories published, especially for money, there's one thing you need to know, it's not easy. You might think your story is a masterpiece and more original then “Harry Potter” but chances are you're wrong. In the magazine publishing world, a magazine gets over one hundred submissions a week, all by young eager writers hoping to get there story published and maybe rake in a few bucks. Sadly the majority get shot down immediately, either because of a bad story plot, or horrible writing, of course sometimes it's the wrong genre. Whatever the reason though you can still try your best to get published, the following are tips to make your material award winning and certain to be enjoyed.

1. A major reason many short stories are refused is because of bad spelling and grammar. Sure your story could have amazing characters and an interesting plot but if writing style is broken and confused, or the punctuation is misplaced the editors won't accept you. Think about it, they receive such a large amount of submissions that even though your story has potential if you weren't willing to see it through, why should they? Why should they waist their time on a half completed story when there are so many others that are well written and enjoyable. So I repeat read through and correct every grammar mistake, have a friend do it as well and don't submit till you’ve perfected your story.

2. Although this is something any writer should know I'll repeat it, make sure your short story is captivating. Too many writers use good grammar and interesting characters, but their stories start off slow and unmoving and editors will often pass up a story after the first few paragraphs for being boring or un-captivating even if it gets better later on. The reason for this is many readers unless they're bookworms won’t read a short story if it doesn't capture their attention straight away, especially if you're submitting a children’s story. So remember make sure your story starts off with a bang and carries it through the remainder of the way.

3. Whatever you do, make sure the magazine you submit to wants your type of story. Do not submit a horror story to magazines that publishes romance, or vive versa. A large number of rejections occur because the author is too lazy to find out what type of magazine he's submitting to. My advise is to first read a few of the short stories they've previously published, by doing so you'll get a better idea of what they want and whether they'd publish you. The most annoying thing an editor can have is an author who doesn't care about the magazine but just getting his story to as many people as he can.

4. For many beginning writers, you may find it in your head to screw the system, to try and publish your story in as many magazines as possible. I repeat that is illegal unless both magazines clearly state otherwise. You may think they won't find out and you'll be free to carry on illegally but someone will and sue you. In most magazines they have a one time non-exclusive deal, which means once they publish your work you're free to try and publish it through other magazines but not at the same time! If you submit it to two magazines at once, in the hope that at least one magazine will buy it, that's okay, but as soon as you hear back from one, you must notify the other and tell them it's no longer available. Otherwise you're annoying the publishers who may have wanted to use it and will probably get a black mark on your name. Be wise to the system and don't try and cheat it. Remember always read the author guidelines and you won't get in trouble.

Finally getting published is a competitive world but not impossible, just do the best you can do and pray for the rest. If you work hard and put your all into the project, your chances go up. Don't be lazy and write one draft then submit it, instead rewrite and rewrite till you achieve that state thousands of author’s dream about, perfection.