How to Submit Short Stories
The most important thing when when understanding how to publish short stories is to follow the publisher’s writing guidelines carefully. Here are some general rules.
The most important thing when submitting short fiction stories is to follow the guidelines carefully. Generally speaking, when you submit to a literary journal or anthology, include:
1. A simple, brief cover letter including the story title, any prior publications (in fiction) and a brief, relevant author bio. If you’re simultaneously submitting the same work to multiple publications, the proper etiquette is to mention that fact. Thank the editor for his consideration. (Keep in mind that a cover letter is not the same as a query letter that you might send for, say, a novel; don’t summarize the story, state its universal themes or attempt to be memorable in your cover letter. Let the work speak for itself.)
2. Your manuscript, double-spaced, with a header containing your name, story title and page number. The first page should include your contact information (address, phone, e-mail). Some writers include a word count, though for short fiction stories this isn’t absolutely necessary. If the guidelines direct you to submit a hard copy, paper clip (rather than staple) the manuscript. If submitting via e-mail or through an online submission manager, follow all formatting instructions. Some want you to attach a document in a specific format; some request your manuscript be pasted in the body of an e-mail.
3. A self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) if submitting a hard copy, so that the editor can notify you when the work has been accepted or rejected.
Learn more about crafting short fiction stories by considering:
Crafting Novels & Short Stories
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Michael Kardos is the author of BLUFF (April 3, 2018; Grove Atlantic/Mysterious Press); BEFORE HE FINDS HER (2015; starred review from Publishers Weekly); THE THREE-DAY AFFAIR (Esquire Magazine best of 2012; starred review from Publishers Weekly); the story collection ONE LAST GOOD TIME (which won the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Award for fiction), and the textbook, THE ART AND CRAFT OF FICTION. His short fiction has been cited in several BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES and won the 2015 Pushcart Prize. He lives in Starkville, MS, where he is the co-director of the creative writing program at Mississippi State University. You can visit him at MichaelKardos.com.
