Let's talk about those unpublished short stories you have.You know, the ones in that file. The ones you haven't sent out? Yeah, THOSE stories. I have a question for you. Why haven't you sent them out?
Don't look at me like that. I mean.it. Seriously! Some of those are really good. You know they are. And if you send them out, circulate them around, you never know, someone might pick one up and publish it.
What's that? So what? So what?! Here's what: the more short stories you have published, the more credits you have. The more credits you have, the more likely an agent, editor or publisher is to give you the time of day. Plus, some markets submit really good stories for awards... and if you've won a short fiction award, you're all the more attractive to a potential connection that's a few rungs higher up the industry ladder... know what I mean?
I understand you're nervous about it. But don't be! Remember, the only thing they can say is "no". And you have to start getting rejected if you're ever going to get accepted, remember? So let me go over some things with you this week to help you along the way of getting some of your short fiction published. We'll talk about polishing and formatting, finding markets to publish your work, cover letters, keeping yourself organized and dealing with rejection. Any other aspects of short fiction publishing you'd like to discuss? Just let me know in the comments today.
I've missed you guys and am so happy to be back at the helm of my blog. Full speed ahead, the week's laid about before us in a sparkling swath of possibility!
7 comments:
When I finish my next novel, I'll look back over some of those short stories.
This is a great post. Most of my shorts would need some major overhauls, and i'm not against doing so, i'm just caught up in the novel right now.
But i do have one short out on submission currently. Cross your fingers for it
Welcome back:)
It must be the flurry of finishing my edits that has my head buried, but I would like to explore some shirt stories in the near future.
Love this because it is exactly my train of thought. I'm only working short stories and essay for the reasons you state; to hopefully be published in a literary journal for credits. And to learn, learn, learn. I'm glad you are bringing up the topic since most blogs are about the novel. Thanks!!
I'm with Sarah. My shorts need some major rewrites in order to be close to publication.
Speaking of shorts, I'm having a scary story contest! It started last week, goes until Oct 22nd. I figured it would be right up your alley. :D
Oh I so need to be pointed in the direction of short story markets. I need something to do while waiting for the queries to come back. I cannot write another novel this time so shorts seem to be the way to go.
Thanks for doing this. Thanks for stopping by this morning.
PS You're in South Carolina right?
This post was exactly the push I needed to get a couple of nearly finished works completed and shined up. Thank you!
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