 Short Stories: July 18, 2012 Issue [#5150] |
  Short Stories
This week: Now What? Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Short Stories Newsletter. I am Shannon and I'm your editor this week. |
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So you've got an idea with a sympathetic character, a great plot, and what you think is a satisfactory conclusion. Now what?
You sit at your computer and start to write. You might be wondering how short or long to make this particular tale, but I believe that upon first write you should always use as many words as the story demands. If, upon revision, you need to trim and hone for a specific contest or magazine, then by all means prune away, but not on the first write. Get your story down on paper and worry about editing later.
This "use as many words as the story demands" also applies to the specific words you use. You might hear your mom yelling her disapproval in the back of your mind or imagine your pastor admonishing you for using such language. Ignore them. Tell them to shut up and write your story using the words your characters would actually use if they were standing in front of you. Anything less is self-censorship and inauthentic, and your readers will immediately spot the deceit.
Some of you couldn't care less about a byline and will never try to get your stories published, and that's fine, but those of you who long to see your name in print should cross your t's and dot your i's first. Before you submit your work to a magazine, familiarize yourself with its style and which genres are represented. Order a sample copy or two if possible and peruse the magazine rack at your local bookstore. Always adhere to the submission guidelines, and make sure your submission contains fewer than the maximum amount of words allowed. Ensure you are addressing the correct editor and that you have spelled his or her name correctly. Those in the business can spot a lazy amateur a mile away; professionals conduct themselves accordingly. Be aware that publications change editors all the time, so the best way to make sure you're addressing the right one is to pick up the phone and call them.
Here are some ballpark figures that will give you a general idea of how editors categorize submissions (the numbers may vary depending on the publication):
 Flash fiction: Word count = 1,000 or less
Short Story: Word Count= 1,000-7,500
Novelette: Word Count = 7,500-20,000
Novella: Word Count = 20,000-50,000
Novel: Word Count = > 50,000
Don't be discouraged if the publication sends your work back, and if there are notes or suggestions for improvement written in the margins, you should always consider them. You should also consider sending that particular editor something else you've written while your name is still fresh in his or her mind. Editors are exceptionally busy people, so if one takes time out of her busy schedule to jot down a personal note on your manuscript, something about your writing appealed to her. Send her something else, but make sure it's polished first.
Happy writing, and thank you for reading.
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I hope you enjoy this week's featured selections. Please remember to do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!
Writing:
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Reviewing:
I take reviewing someone else's work very seriously, and these two resources provide in-depth criteria one should consider before and while reading/critiquing other people's writing. I hope you'll give them a look-see. |
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (June 20, 2012)" :
Lunarmirror  says, "This was one of the most productive and inspiring newsletters I have ever read. Thanks and God Bless you.  " Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful. 
G. B. Williams  says, "Nice history note re what happened on this day in history. Thanks for sharing. On another note, I sometime wonder why Blacks are only recognized for their contributions in history during Black History Month and even then only Martin Luther King, Jr., Sojourner Truth, and a few others are ever mentioned. The truth of the matter is that Blacks have made MAJOR contributions to the building of America just as Whites and other ethnic groups. Just some thoughts." I completely agree, G.B.! I've never understood why "Black History" isn't just included in American History. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 
platinumbwords says, "Lovely newsletter, Shannon! Reading it randomly gave me the idea to tackle an issue in a short story regarding women's suffrage--women (or maybe one of my female characters) going topless in public, like men, which is technically allowed in certain states, like my own NY, but come on--when have you really seen a woman doing so except random parades? Thanks, too, for featuring my winning entry :) It's nice to see it there!" You're very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to enter the contest. And I went to a St. Patrick's Day party at a popular bar downtown a few years ago; there were several women walking around topless (other than the body paint slathered across their torsos), and let me tell ya ... it was very noticeable (it gets mighty cold here in Idaho in March). 
Beck Firing back up!  says, "What an awesome idea! Grabbing a "day in history" snippet and creating a story from that would make for a lot of great fiction, I think. Thanks for the thought!" Thank YOU for reading! I'm glad you found it inspiring. 
The following items were submitted by their authors:
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