Getting started with short story submissions for new writers can be both exciting and intimidating. For aspiring authors, the challenge is not just writing compelling stories but also navigating the complex world of submissions. This guide aims to simplify that process, offering tips and strategies to help new writers break into the world of short story publishing.
Why Submit Short Stories as a New Writer?
Submitting short stories for publication is an excellent way for new writers to gain exposure, build credibility, and refine their craft. Short story submissions for new writers provide a stepping stone to long-term success. Unlike novels, short stories can be written and submitted more quickly, allowing writers to experiment with different styles and themes. Each submission is a chance to improve, gather feedback, and potentially see your work published in magazines, anthologies, or online platforms.
Understanding the Submission Process
One of the first things new writers need to understand about short story submissions is the process. Submitting a short story involves sending your work to a publication or competition that accepts submissions. Typically, these places have specific guidelines regarding word count, formatting, and genre. Knowing how short story submissions for new writers work can help you avoid common pitfalls and increase your chances of success.
Step 1: Researching Potential Markets
The first step in short story submissions for new writers is finding the right market. Not every publication or platform will suit your style or genre, so it’s essential to research beforehand. Many literary magazines, websites, and anthologies have specific requirements or preferences for the stories they accept. Whether you’re writing science fiction, romance, literary fiction, or horror, there’s likely a place for your work if you find the right fit.
Websites like Duotrope, Submittable, and The Submission Grinder are invaluable resources for identifying where to send your stories. These platforms list literary markets by genre, pay rate, and submission guidelines, making short story submissions for new writers much more accessible.
Step 2: Crafting a Polished Story
Before you even think about sending out short story submissions, make sure your story is polished. For new writers, it’s tempting to rush through this part, but the competition is fierce. Your story must stand out. This means writing multiple drafts, getting feedback, and revising accordingly. One crucial aspect of short story submissions for new writers is recognizing that the first draft is rarely the final product.
Consider joining a writing group or seeking out beta readers to get constructive feedback. Sometimes, other writers can catch issues in your story that you might overlook. Taking time to refine your work before submitting ensures that you’re sending out the best version of your story.
Step 3: Formatting Your Submission
When preparing your short story submissions, formatting matters. Most publications will have detailed guidelines, so it’s important to follow them closely. For new writers, learning to format correctly can feel tedious, but it’s essential for making a professional impression. Whether it’s specific fonts, word counts, or file types, following these rules shows that you respect the process.
The standard manuscript format often includes 12-point font, double spacing, and one-inch margins. Additionally, make sure you include your contact information on the first page, along with the word count and story title. Adhering to the correct format can prevent your short story submissions from being disqualified right away.
Step 4: Writing a Cover Letter
A cover letter is usually required for short story submissions. For new writers, this can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to keep it short and professional. Introduce yourself, mention the title of your story, and briefly state why you think it would be a good fit for the publication. If you have any previous writing credits, mention them here, but don’t worry if you don’t—many publications are open to new writers.
Where to Submit Your Short Stories as a New Writer
When it comes to short story submissions, new writers have plenty of options. Here are a few types of markets you can explore:
| S.No | short story submissions for new writers |
|---|---|
| 1 | https://www.agnionline.bu.edu/submit/ |
| 2 | https://www.all-story.com/about/ |
| 3 | https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/ |
| 4 | https://www.americanshortfiction.org/submityourwork/ |
| 5 | https://www.antiochcollege.edu/antioch-review/writers-guidelines/ |
| 6 | https://www.apparitionlit.com/ |
| 7 | https://www.article.classifiedsfactor.com |
| 8 | https://www.articlebiz.com |
| 9 | https://www.articles.h1ad.com |
| 10 | https://www.articlesfactory.com |
| 11 | https://www.articleslist.net |
| 12 | https://www.asimovs.com/contact-us/writers-guidelines/ |
| 13 | https://www.barrelhousemag.com/submission-info |
| 14 | https://www.beloit.edu/fiction-journal/guidelines-submissions/ |
| 15 | https://www.blog.giganticlist.com |
| 16 | https://www.blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/faq/ |
| 17 | https://www.bloggersroad.com |
| 18 | https://www.boulevardmagazine.org/guidelines |
| 19 | https://www.brighthub.com |
| 20 | https://www.bwr.ua.edu/submit/guidelines/ |
| 21 | https://www.carvezine.com/submit |
| 22 | https://www.chicagowrites.org/write_city/guidelines |
| 23 | https://www.cincinnatireview.com/submission-guidelines-2021/ |
| 24 | https://www.cricketmedia.com/faces-submission-guidelines/ |
| 25 | https://www.darksiremag.wordpress.com/ |
| 26 | https://www.easy-articles.com |
| 27 | https://www.ehow.com |
| 28 | https://www.eunoiareview.wordpress.com/ |
| 29 | https://www.ezinearticles.com |
| 30 | https://www.facebook.com |
| 31 | https://www.firesidefiction.com/submissions |
| 32 | https://www.flashfictiononline.com/submission-guidelines-flash-fiction/ |
| 33 | https://www.foundationbacklink.com |
| 34 | https://www.genuinegoldmag.com/ |
| 35 | https://www.granta.com/submissions/ |
| 36 | https://www.guernicamag.com/about/submissions/ |
| 37 | https://www.hubpages.com |
| 38 | https://www.instagram.com |
| 39 | https://www.jmwwblog.wordpress.com/guidelines/ |
| 40 | https://www.lamplightmagazine.com/submissions/ |
| 41 | https://www.lascauxreview.com/ |
| 42 | https://www.linkedin.com |
| 43 | https://www.literallystories2014.com/ |
| 44 | https://www.literaryorphans.submittable.com/submit |
| 45 | https://www.longleafreview.com/submissions/ |
| 46 | https://www.mastersreview.com/submissions/ |
| 47 | https://www.medium.com |
| 48 | https://www.nereview.com/ner-submissions/ |
| 49 | https://www.newyorker.com/about/contact |
| 50 | https://www.newyorker.com/fiction-and-poetry |
| 51 | https://www.northamericanreview.submittable.com/submit |
| 52 | https://www.one-story.com/ |
| 53 | https://www.pshares.org/submit/journal/ |
| 54 | https://www.raleighreview.org/ |
| 55 | https://www.sandjournal.com/submit/ |
| 56 | https://www.sfsite.com/fsf/glines.htm |
| 57 | https://www.smokelong.com/ |
| 58 | https://www.smokelong.com/guidelines/ |
| 59 | https://www.sooperarticles.com |
| 60 | https://www.soup.io |
| 61 | https://www.storify.com |
| 62 | https://www.story.wallclassifieds.com |
| 63 | https://www.storymagazine.org/submissions/ |
| 64 | https://www.structomagazine.co.uk/ |
| 65 | https://support.theatlantic.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011374734-Submit-a-piece-for-editorial-consideration-at-The-Atlantic |
| 66 | https://www.thecommononline.org/submit/ |
| 67 | https://www.thedarkmagazine.com/fiction/ |
| 68 | https://www.thefictionpool.wordpress.com/ |
| 69 | https://www.thefirstline.com/submission.htm |
| 70 | https://www.thegeorgiareview.com/submit/ |
| 71 | https://www.theincandescentreview.org/literary-magazine-submissions |
| 72 | https://www.themighty.com |
| 73 | https://www.thesunmagazine.org/submit |
| 74 | https://www.threepennyreview.com/submissions/ |
| 75 | https://www.typishly.com/submissions/ |
| 76 | https://www.vestalreview.net/guidelines/ |
| 77 | https://www.vestalreview.submittable.com/submit |
| 78 | https://www.vqronline.org/about-vqr/submissions |
| 79 | https://www.warticles.com |
| 80 | https://www.wattpad.com |
| 81 | https://www.wildburrostudio.com/ruminate-magazine |
| 82 | https://www.writersdigest.com |
Common Mistakes New Writers Should Avoid
Short story submissions for new writers can be a learning curve, and there are several common mistakes to avoid. Here are some tips to help improve your chances:
- Ignoring Submission Guidelines: Many new writers overlook the importance of following submission guidelines. This is a sure way to get your story rejected without even being read.
- Submitting Unpolished Work: Sending out a story that hasn’t been thoroughly revised is a common mistake. Make sure your work is as polished as possible before submitting it.
- Being Discouraged by Rejection: Rejections are part of the process, even for the best writers. Don’t let a rejection letter discourage you. Instead, use it as motivation to improve and keep submitting.
How to Stay Organized During the Submission Process
Managing multiple short story submissions for new writers can be tricky. It’s important to stay organized, especially if you’re submitting to several places at once. Create a spreadsheet to track where you’ve submitted, when, and whether you’ve received a response. Many writers also use Submittable, which not only helps you find markets but also tracks the status of your submissions.
Final Thoughts on Short Story Submissions for New Writers
Breaking into the world of short story submissions for new writers is challenging, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. Each submission is a step toward improving your craft and getting your work in front of readers. By following the steps outlined in this guide—researching markets, crafting polished stories, formatting correctly, and staying organized—you’ll be well on your way to achieving your writing goals. Keep writing, keep submitting, and remember that persistence pays off in the end.
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