The idea of trying to publish short stories can be daunting, but it's not hard to make submitting stories part of a writing routine. Having a good system in place will minimize the time and energy you spend on submissions, and help you present yourself as a professional -- which is key to getting editors to pay attention to your work.
If you have doubts about whether it's the right time for you to start this process, see "Are You Ready to Publish?" You can also test your knowledge of publishing with the publishing quiz. If you're interested in publishing a novel, see "How to Find an Agent."
1. Complete and Proofread Several Stories
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2. Research the Market
© 2006 Ginny Wiehardt.
3. Format Your Short Stories Properly
4. Write a Cover Letter
Your cover letter doesn't have to be long; in fact, most editors prefer short ones. However, do include a brief biography, listing any publications. (Don't sweat it if you don't have any yet.) You might find it easiest to keep the cover letter saved on your computer, adapting the heading and salutation for each journal. For more on writing a professional cover letter, see "Cover Letter Advice."5. Track Submissions
6. Observe Simultaneous Submissions Policies
Each journal has a policy on simultaneous submissions: whether they prefer an exclusive read or not. If a story that you have simultaneously submitted is accepted somewhere, write the others to withdraw your submission. (For more on how to do this, read one writer's cover letter advice.) If you don't hear back from a journal in a year, it is acceptable to write to inquire about or withdraw your submission. (Otherwise, don't email or call editors.)7. Keep Rejection in Perspective
Keep sending out, especially after a rejection. It's easier to weather rejections if you still have some work out there. On the other hand, if you've been at it awhile and find yourself growing bitter, take a break and concentrate solely on writing.
