Short stories are in plentiful demand. They fill a void in the market when long stories or books are too much to handle.
As an author short stories are a great way to hone your writing skills. They give an author additional exposure into the market and can supplement their income in between larger works. But where does an author go to submit his or her works.
Here’s a list of 50+ places I’ve complied from credible literary sources on where you should publish your short stories.
(sourced via Writer Life)
Might as well start with a bang, right? Adding publication in The New Yorker to your portfolio puts you in a whole new league, though it won’t be easy. Author David. B. Comfort calculated the odds of an acceptance at 0.0000416 percent!
It accepts both standard short fiction as well as humorous short fiction for the “Shouts & Murmurs” section. No word counts are mentioned, though a quick scan of the column shows most pieces are 600 to 1,000 words.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.newyorker.com/about/contact
Deadline: Open
Payment: Huge bragging rights; pay for unsolicited submissions isn’t specified. Who Pays Writers lists several paid pieces, though as of this post’s publication, no rates specifically for short stories.
Another highly respected magazine, The Atlantic publishes both big names and emerging writers in fiction and nonfiction. Submission guidelines advise, “A general familiarity with what we have published in the past is the best guide to what we’re looking for.”
Submission Guidelines: http://www.theatlantic.com/faq/#Submissions
Deadline: Open
Payment: Unsolicited submissions are generally unpaid, although if the editors choose your piece for online content, you may receive $100-$200 depending on genre and length.
This quarterly arts magazine focuses on literature, arts and society, memoir and essay. Short stories should be no more than 4,000 words, while submissions to the “Table Talk” section (pithy, irreverent and humorous musings on culture, art, politics and life) should be 1,000 words or less.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.threepennyreview.com/submissions.html
Deadline: January to June
Payment: $400 for short stories; $200 for Table Talk pieces
Founded by Francis Ford Coppola and Adrienne Brodeur in 1997, Zoetrope: All-Story’s mission is “to explore the intersection of story and art, fiction and film” and “form a bridge to storytellers at large, encouraging them to work in the natural format of a short story.” Submissions should be no more than 7,000 words.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.all-story.com/submissions.cgi
Deadline: Open
Payment: None, but this magazine has discovered many emerging writers and published big names like Salman Rushdie and Gabriel García Márquez, so publication here could win you some serious prestige points.
One Story is just what the name says: a literary magazine that publishes one great short story every three to four weeks, and nothing more.
Its main criteria for a great short story? One “that leaves readers feeling satisfied and [is] strong enough to stand alone.” Stories can be any style or subject but should be between 3,000 and 8,000 words.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.one-story.com/index.php?page=submit
Deadline: September 1 to May 31
Payment: $500 plus 25 contributor copies
The Antioch Review rarely publishes more than three short stories per issue, but its editors are open to new as well as established writers. Authors published here often wind up in Best American anthologies and as the recipients of Pushcart prizes.
To make the cut, editors say, “It is the story that counts, a story worthy of the serious attention of the intelligent reader, a story that is compelling, written with distinction.” Word count is flexible, but pieces tend to be under 5,000.
Submission Guidelines: http://review.antiochcollege.org/guidelines
Deadline: Open except for the period of June 1 to September 1
Payment: $20 per printed page plus two contributor copies
Thought-provoking is the name of the game if you want to get published in AGNI. Its editors look for pieces that hold a mirror up to the world around us and engage in a larger, ongoing cultural conversation about nature, mankind, the society we live in and more.
There are no word limits, but shorter is generally better; “The longer a piece is, the better it needs to be to justify taking up so much space in the magazine,” note the submission guidelines.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.bu.edu/agni/submit.html
Deadline: Open September 1 to May 31
Payment: $10 per printed page (up to a max of $150) plus a year’s subscription, two contributor’s copies and four gift copies
Published by an independent nonprofit literary organization, Barrelhouse’s biannual print journal and online issue seek to “bridge the gap between serious art and pop culture.” Its editors look for quality writing that’s also edgy and funny — as they say, they “want to be your weird Internet friend.”
There’s no hard word count, but try to keep your submission under 8,000 words.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.barrelhousemag.com/submissions
Deadline: Currently open for books, comics, and a few other categories. Check the webpage to see all open categories and sign up for the newsletter to learn as soon as new open categories are announced.
Payment: $50 plus two contributor copies (print journal); unpaid (online issue)
The Cincinnati Review publishes work by writers of all genres and at all points of their careers. Its editors want “work that has energy,” that is “rich in language and plot structure” and “that’s not just ecstatic, but that makes is reader feel ecstatic, too.”
Fiction and nonfiction submissions should be no more than 40 double-spaced pages.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.cincinnatireview.com/#/submissions/guidelines
Deadline: August 15 to March 15
Payment: $25 per double-spaced page
This cool quarterly is all about jumpstarting that pesky writer’s block. Each issue contains short fiction stories (300-5,000 words) that each begin with the same pre-assigned first line. You can also write a nonfiction critical essay (500-800 words) about your favorite first line from a piece of literary work.
If you really want to get ambitious, you can also write a four-part story that uses each of that year’s first lines (which is due by the next year’s spring issue deadline). To find each issue’s assigned first line, check out the submission guidelines below.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.thefirstline.com/submission.htm
Deadline: February 1 (spring); May 1 (summer); August 1 (fall); November 1 (winter)
Payment: $25 to $50 (fiction); $25 (nonfiction) plus a contributor’s copy
Another one high on the prestige list, The Georgia Review features a wide variety of essays, fiction, book reviews and more across a wide range of topics. You can read specific requirements for each in the submission guidelines below, but the common theme among them all is quality, quality, quality.
Bear in mind submitting requires a $3 processing fee if you’re not a subscriber.
Submission Guidelines: http://garev.uga.edu/submissions.html
Deadline: Open except for the period of May 15 to August 15
Payment: $50 per printed page
Boulevard Magazine is always on the lookout for “less experienced or unpublished writers with exceptional promise.” It accepts prose pieces (fiction and nonfiction) up to 8,000 words (note: no science fiction, erotica, westerns, horror, romance or children’s stories).
There is a submission fee of $3.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.boulevardmagazine.org/guidelines/
Deadline: Open October 1 to May 1
Payment: $100 to $300
Camera Obscura is a biannual independent literary journal that publishes contemporary literary fiction and photography. Fiction should be between 250 and 8,000 words, although its editors have made exceptions for the occasional “exceptional novella” between 12,000 and 30,000 words.
You can also try your hand at a “Bridge the Gap” piece, where you review the current photo gallery and construct a story that “Takes the reader on an unexpected journey from the first image to the next.”
Submission Guidelines: http://www.obscurajournal.com/guidelines.php
Deadline: Stay tuned to the guidelines page to find out when the next deadline is announced.
Payment: $1,000 to one featured writer published in each issue, as determined by the editors; all other contributors receive two copies of the issue in which they are published. The best Bridge the Gap piece receives $50.
Open to a wide variety of fiction from mainstream to avant-garde, Crazyhorse puts no limitations on style or form. If you’ve got something people haven’t seen before and won’t be able to forget, its editors are looking for it.
Crazyhorse also accepts nonfiction of any sort, including memoirs, journal entries, obituaries, etc. — we told you it’s open to anything! Keep your word count between 2,500 and 8,500 words.
Submission Guidelines: http://crazyhorse.cofc.edu/submit/
Deadline: Open for submissions from September 1 to May 31, except for the month of January (when it only accepts entries for the Crazyhorse Prizes)
Payment: $20 per printed page (up to a max of $200)
Story Magazine is, you guessed it, all about the story, whatever shape it takes. Each issue is based around a theme, but its editors encourage writers to think outside the box when it comes to how to address that theme — fiction, nonfiction, hybrid forms, “hermit-crab essays” and more are all up for consideration.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.storymagazine.org/submit/
Deadline: Open January 1 to May 1 (print magazine); open February, April, June, August, and October (online)
Payment: Not specified
Prefer to keep your short stories extremely short? Vestal Review publishes flash fiction of no more than 500 words. Its editors are open to all genres except for syrupy romance, hard science fiction and children’s stories, and they have a special fondness for humor. R-rated content is OK, but stay away from anything too racy, gory or obscene.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.vestalreview.org/guidelines/
Deadline: Submission periods are February to May and August to November
Payment: Ten cents per word (for stories up to 100 words); five cents per word (101-200 words); three cents per word (201-500 words). “Stories of great merit” in their estimation can receive up to a $25 flat fee.
Flash Fiction Online allows for slightly longer flash stories — between 500 and 1,000 words. Its editors like sci-fi and fantasy but are open to all genres. As with Vestal, stay away from the heavier stuff like erotica and violence. As of March 1, 2015, FFO accepts previously published works.
Submission Guidelines: http://flashfictiononline.com/main/submission-guidelines/
Deadline: Open
Payment: $60 per story, two cents per word for reprints
Black Warrior Review publishes a mix of work by up-and-coming writers and nationally known names. Fiction pieces of up to 7,000 words should be innovative, challenging and unique; its editors value “absurdity, hybridity, the magical [and] the stark.”
BWR also accepts flash fiction under 1,000 words and nonfiction pieces (up to 7,000 words) that examine and challenge beliefs and boundaries. There is a $3 submission fee.
Submission Guidelines: http://bwr.ua.edu/submit/guidelines/
Deadline: Submission periods are December 1 to March 1 and June 1 to September 1
Payment: A one-year subscription to BWR and a nominal lump-sum fee (amount not disclosed in its guidelines)
The Sun Magazine offers some of the biggest payments we’ve seen, and while its guidelines specifically mention personal writing and provocative political/cultural pieces, they also say editors are “open to just about anything.”
Works should run no more than 7,000 words. Submit something the editors love, and you could get a nice payday.
Submission Guidelines: http://thesunmagazine.org/about/submission_guidelines/writing
Deadline: Open
Payment: A one-year subscription plus $300 to $2,000 (nonfiction) or $300 to $1,500 (fiction)
A diverse publication that features both award-winning and emerging writers, VQR accepts short fiction (2,000 to 8,000 words) but is not a fan of genre work like romance, sci-fi, etc. It also takes nonfiction (3,500 to 9,000 words) like travel essays that examine the world around us.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.vqronline.org/about-vqr/submissions
Deadline: Submission periods are June 15 to July 31 and October 1 to November 15. VQR also accepts nonfiction pitches from June 15 to December 1.
Payment: Generally $1,000 and above for short fiction and prose (approximately 25 cents per word) with higher rates for investigative reporting; $100 to $200 for content published online.
Ploughshares’ award-winning literary journal is published by Boston’s Emerson College. They accept fiction and nonfiction under 6,000 words and require a $3 service fee if you submit online (it’s free to submit by mail, though they prefer digital submissions).
Submission Guidelines: https://www.pshares.org/submit/journal/guidelines
Deadline: June 1 at noon EST through January 15 at noon EST
Payment: $25 per printed page (for a minimum of $50 per title and a maximum of $250 per author).
Shimmer “encourages authors of all backgrounds to write stories that include characters and settings as diverse and wondrous as the people and places of the world we live in.”
Traditional sci-fi and fantasy need not apply; Shimmer’s editors are after contemporary fantasy and “speculative fiction” with strong plots, characters and emotional core — the more unique the better. Keep your stories under 7,500 words (4,000 words is around the sweet spot).
Submission Guidelines: http://www.shimmerzine.com/guidelines/fiction-guidelines/
Deadline: Opens for submissions on September 4
Payment: Five cents per word (for a minimum of $50)
Sci-fi and fantasy writers, this one’s for you. Daily Science Fiction is looking for character-driven fiction, and the shorter, the better. While their word count range is 100 to 1,500 words, they’re especially eager to get flash fiction series (several flash stories based around a central theme), science fiction, fantasy, and slipstream.
Submission Guidelines: http://dailysciencefiction.com/submit
Deadline: Open except for the period between December 24 to January 2
Payment: Eight cents per word, with the possibility of additional pay for reprints in themed Daily Science Fiction anthologies
(thanks to Jacqui Bennett Writers Bureau UK)
Aesthetica The UK’s cultural arts magazine that features writing, art, music and film. It reports on the arts and publishes features, interviews, news, articles and reviews that stir the imagination around current themes. Website: www.aestheticamagazine.com
Any Dream Will Do Review Dr. Jean M. Bradt, publisher and chief editor of the Any Dream Will Do Review, has created a new story genre, Fiction in the Raw, and she seeks new or accomplished authors who wish to try writing in this genre. Fiction in the Raw is fiction that contains raw emotions (not raw sex, which will be rejected). Writers of Fiction in the Raw are unique in that they are not afraid to honestly expose their own deepest emotions. Can you meet this challenge? See website for submission guidelines: http://willigocrazy.org/Ch09a.htm
Aquila Dedicated to encouraging children aged 8-13 to reason and create, and to develop a caring nature. Short stories and serials of up to 4 parts. Occasional features commissioned from writers with specialist knowledge. Approach in writing with ideas and sample of writing style, with sae. Length: 700-800 words (features), 1000-1100 words (stories or per episode of a serial). Illustrations: colour and b&w, cartoons. Payment: £75 (features); £90 (stories), £80 (per episode). Jackie Berry, New Leaf Publishing Ltd, PO Box 2518, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 2BB. Tel: 01323 431313. Fax: 01323 731136. Email: info@aquila.co.uk Website: www.aquila.co.uk
The Artillery of Words A new online magazine to showcase budding writers. All submissions are welcome – anything from poems to short stories and fiction to non-fiction. Plays and children’s literature are also welcome – the word limit is 1,500. Website: http://theartilleryofwords.weebly.com
Black Gate Magazine is looking for submissions of adventure-oriented fantasy fiction suitable for all ages, including urban fantasy, sword and sorcery, dark fantasy/horror, romantic fantasy. Pays six cents a word for up to 7,000 words, $420 for 7,000-14,000 words, and three cents a word for longer works; buys First North American serial and electronic publication rights. Guidelines: submissions@blackgate.com or the website (www.blackgate.com). Editor: John O’Neill with New Epoch Press, Attn: Submissions Dept, 815 Oak Street, St Charles, IL 60174, USA.
Bloodlust UK Vampire fiction. Details: http://www.bloodlust-uk.com
Carillon Magazine Stories, articles, fillers (maximum 1,400 words). Quality work only. Website: http://www.carillonmag.org.uk/index.html
Chapman Scotland’s quality literary magazine. Features poetry, short works of fiction, criticism, reviews and articles on theatre, politics, language and the arts. Unsolicited material welcome if accompanied by s.a.e. Approach in writing unless discussion is needed. Priority is given to full-time writers. Features: Topics of literary interest, especially Scottish literature, theatre, culture or politics. Maximum 5000 words. Fiction: Short stories, occasionally novel extracts if self-contained. Maximum 6000 words. Special Pages: Poetry, both UK and non-UK in translation (mainly, but not necessarily, European). Payment by negotiation. Editor: Joy M. Hendry, 4 Broughton Place, Edinburgh EH1 3RX. Tel: 0131 557 2207. Fax: 0131 556 9565 Email: editor@chapman-pub.co.uk. Website: www.chapman-pub.co.uk
Countryside Tales Your story can be in any genre as long as it has a ‘countryside’ feel or setting. For example, you could write a crime story about a village policeman or a romantic tale set in the country. Your story should contain interesting and believable characters and have a beginning, middle and satisfactory conclusion. If there is a ‘twist in the tale’, it should not be obvious.Fiction, poetry, articles, writing competitions. New writers encouraged. Details: Countryside Tales, Park Publications, 14 The Park, Stow on the Wold, Cheltenham, Glos GL54 1DX; contact editor David Howarth (tel: 01451 831053) to discuss ideas, or send sae for guidelines. Email: enquiries@parkpublications.co.uk Website: www.parkpublications.co.uk
Crystal, The Magazine for Writers Stories (true and fiction), poems, articles, fillers. No bad language or erotica. Regular features: writing with flair, wordsmithing, readers’ letters, competitions. Occasionally Subscribers’ News and Advertising. One sample copy free. Visit website for details.
Dark Tales Created as an outlet primarily for unpublished writers of sci-fi, dark fantasy and horror short stories. Published stories are the winners and shortlisted entries from a quarterly competition. Fiction should be strong on characterisation as well as original, thought-provoking ideas. Website: http://www.darktales.co.uk
Descant An established, Canadian literary magazine. Descant considers submissions of poetry (submit about six poems), short stories, novel excerpts, plays, essays, interviews, musical scores and visual presentations. Standards for acceptance are high. They receive a large number of submissions every month – please send only your best, carefully edited work. No submission may be under consideration by another publisher, nor can it have been previously published. Please note that it can take up to 12 months to hear back regarding your submission. More information on the website (http://www.descant.ca). Submission Guidelines: http://www.descant.ca/submit.html
The Edge Wants modern/psychological/urban/imaginative science fiction/horror/crime/erotic fiction. Enclose sae/IRCs. No reprints or email submissions. Editor: Dave Clark, Unit 138, 22 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JE. Website: www.theedge.abelgratis.co.uk
Every Day Fiction Every day, we publish a new flash fiction story (1000 words or fewer), perfect for your coffee break, your commute, or whenever you have a few minutes for yourself. The maximum 1000 word count is firm. We pay $3 US per story, plus an additional $1 US if the story is selected for our annual print anthology. Details: http://www.everydayfiction.com
Fleeting Magazine ‘The Best Short Writing in the World’ – competitions, photography, et cetera. Website: http://fleetingmagazine.com
Historical Novel Society See Solander below.
Interzone: Science Fiction & Fantasy Unsolicited mss welcome ‘from writers who have a knowledge of the magazine and its contents’. Website: http://ttapress.com/interzone
Irish Pages is a biannual journal, edited in Belfast and publishing, in equal measure, writing from Ireland and overseas. Its policy is to publish poetry, short fiction, essays, creative non-fiction, memoir, essay reviews, nature-writing, translated work, literary journalism, and other autobiographical, historical, religious and scientific writing of literary distinction. There are no standard reviews or narrowly academic articles. http://www.irishpages.org/
Ken*again, the literary magazine A quarterly, nonprofit e-zine presenting a hearty, eclectic mix of prose, poetry, art and photography: accessible, obscure, soothing, disturbing. We do not pay cash but we publish authors’ bios and often link to their sites. Prose and poetry may be sent either in the body of an email or by attaching MS-Word Documents. Art should be attached in jpg format or we should be directed to Artists’ and Photographers’ websites. Edited and Published by John Delin and Pamela Boslet Buskin. Website: http://kenagain.freeservers.com Guidelines: http://kenagain.freeservers.com/contact.html
The Lady Not currently accepting unsolicited short stories. Website: http://www.lady.co.uk/
Mslexia Women writers’ magazine – always with plenty going on. Frequent competitions. Highly recommended. Submissions to: Mslexia, PO Box 656, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1PZ; tel: 0191 233 3860; e-mail (for information only, no submissions):postbag@mslexia.co.uk Website: www.mslexia.co.uk
My Weekly Check latest edition of magazine for submission details.
New Welsh Review Welsh literary magazine in the English language. Welcomes material of literary and cultural interest to Welsh readers and those with an interest in Wales. Website: http://www.newwelshreview.com
The People’s Friend Entertaining, optimistic stories are required by this publication – throw in a touch of nostalgia and let your fictional world move more slowly than today’s and you’ll stand a far better chance of succeeding. Stories should usually be between 1,000 and 4,000 words, but there are occasionally slots for shorter pieces of 500 to 1,000 words.. Website: http://www.thepeoplesfriend.co.uk/
Prole is a new publication that focuses on accessible poetry, short fiction and creative nonfiction. We aim to publish three times a year. If money is made, contributors will be paid a share. Website: http://www.prolebooks.co.uk/index.html
Riptide New short fiction by both established and emerging writers. We are committed to providing a forum for high quality, innovative fiction, expanding the readership of the short story genre and enhancing its standing. We invite work by prominent authors who believe in the continuing importance of the short story, but we aim to include new voices in every issue. Details: http://www.riptidejournal.co.uk
Scribble Quarterly short story magazine now in its seventh year of publication. Offers prizes of cash prizes for the best three stories in each issue of the magazine, on any subject, up to 3,000 words. Details and guidelines: Send sae to: Scribble, Park Publications, 14 The Park, Stow on the Wold, Glos GL54 1DX. Website: www.parkpublications.co.uk
Sniplits publish short stories of up to 9,000 words in audio. Website:http://www.sniplits.com. Guidelines and submissions calendar in Authors Room.
Solander Payments are being offered for publication in the Historical Novel Society’s magazine, Solander. Many contributors published in Solander have found agents and gone on to further success. Any theme or period is acceptable, and the editor is prepared to read time-slip or alternative history as well as ‘straight’ historical fiction. All genres will be considered and submissions are not restricted to members, although contributors should read a copy of the magazine first. Membership Details on Website: http://www.historicalnovelsociety.org/main.htm
Spec Magazine A Canadian magazine seeks fantasy, horror, ghost and fairy stories; both poetry and prose. Guidelines and pay rates: http://www.onspec.ca/ or contact Spec Magazine, Box 4727, Edmonton Alberta, Canada T6E 5G6.
Stickman Review (www.stickmanreview.com) is an online literary magazine published twice yearly. Editors Anthony Brown and Darrin English welcome e-mail submissions of literary fiction (fiction@stickmanreview.com), non-fiction (nonfiction@stickmanre view.com) and poetry (poetry@stickmanreview.com). Although they do not rule out genre stories, the editors emphasise that this is a literary magazine, and their major interest is the quality of the literary style. Contact: Stickman Review, 2890 N. Fairview Dr, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, USA.
The Strand Magazine is a quarterly print publication offering a variety of crime short stories, book reviews, articles on the mystery genre, and interviews with prominent authors or people with a decided ‘criminal’ interest. Managing Editor Andrew F Gulli looks for tales written in the best traditions of the classic writers. Weave a mystery, sprinkle it with red herrings, and introduce characters with whom the reader can sympathise. Explicit sex or violence are not welcome. Stories of 2,000 to 6,000 words should be submitted by mail to: The Strand Magazine, PO Box 1418, Birmingham, MI 48012-1418, USA. Website: http://www.strandmag.com/
Tin House (http://www.tinhouse.com/) is a quarterly literary magazine that publishes fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. It accepts submissions from around the world. Non-fiction articles include interviews with literary figures and essays on writing and literature. Pays from $200 for short stories and $50 for poetry. Contact: Tin House, PO Box 10500, Portland, Oregon OR 97296-0500, USA for further information (enclose sae and IRC), or visit the website for fuller guidelines.
Ulster Tatler Articles of local interest and social functions appealing to Northern Ireland’s ABC1 population. Welcomes unsolicited material; approach by phone or in writing in the first instance. Fiction: Max. 3000 words. Payment £150. Editor: Richard Sherry, 39 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6UT. Tel: 01232 681371. Fax: 01232 381915 Email: ulstertat@aol.com Website: http://www.ulstertatler.com
Vintage Script is looking for short stories and articles that are original and well-written, and must be on an historical theme. Short stories and longer articles should be no longer than 2,000 words. Also interested in shorter articles of 500-1,000 words. Contributions should not have been published elsewhere. Look at the Submissions page on the website if you have a historical story or article to share. Website: http://www.vintagescript.co.uk/
Woman’s Weekly Full submission guidelines: http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/family/471247/woman-s-weekly-fiction-guidelines
Woman’s Weekly Fiction Special See previous entry.
Yours A fortnightly magazine covering general women’s interest and lifestyle. Aimed at readers over fifty. Publishes general interest short fiction. Website: http://www.yours.co.uk Email: yours@emap.com Features Editor: Caroline Chadderton, Bretton Court, Bretton, Peterborough, PE3 8DZ
ShareThe Huffington Post backed up this heading by saying “No more proof is needed to say that short stories are still alive and important today, when arguably the greatest writer of his generation is solely dedicated to the short story”.
They were referring to Raymond Carver who “contributed to the revitalization of the short story in the 1980’s. He never published a novel but is still widely read today in universities across America. His writing left a lasting impact and influenced many writers of the short form to continue to write what they loved. Without him it is unlikely that we would have even a small portion of the masters of the short story that we have today.”
Contemporary romance author Tabitha Levin backs up Huffington Post’s assertions that short stories are important by offering 10 reasons of her own:
“Short stories are coming back into favour, now that digital publishing is on the rise. And more and more authors are producing really great fiction in short form. To celebrate this, I’ve written a short guide on why you should read short stories. Enjoy.
#1. Begone you fluff monster
Short stories are like a little novel wrapped up in as few words as possible without all the fluff. If you don’t want to read three pages of descriptive text showing how the wind is blowing through the leaves, and just want to get straight to the action – the GOOOOD stuff – then short stories are for you.
#2. You can finish the story in your lunch break
Have you ever been so engrossed in a novel that you just can’t put it down? Except that you’ve got that awesome blind date that your second cousin set up for you, in TEN minutes. But wait, what happens to Jimmy when he falls down that well? Is that a monster reaching through the water to grab him? Oh damn, your date’s here. If that was a short story you’d already know what happened.
#3. They cost less
Most short stories on Amazon cost around 0.99 cents. Super dooper cheap. You can even get some for free. Suck on that $12.99 novel!
#4. A writer needs to be great to write a good short story
You might think it’s easier to write a short story than to write a novel. No, not necessarily so Batman. Sure it takes much less time. But easier? You’ve still got to put plot twists in, build your characters, have a satisfying ending – in just 5,000 or so words. It’s difficult to write a good short story, so you need to know which bits stay in, and which bits end on the cutting room floor (or Recycle Bin – same diff).
#5. Fantasy Cyberpunk? I’m just not so sure …
Not sure if you’ll like a new genre and just want to dip your toe in the pool to sample? Then you can pick up a short story and see if you are into them or not. Why commit to a full 200 page novel when you can try out 20 or so pages first? Who knows, you might find that steam punk, paranormal dwarf stories are your thing after all.
#6. You get to read the series quicker
Sick of waiting for your favourite author to bring out her next novel. Sometimes they take years. If they write a short fiction series, then you might only be waiting a few weeks for the next one. Finally you’ll be able to find out if the monster gets out of the well, and escapes from nasty Jimmy.
#7. How many books did YOU read last year?
You’ll be able to brag to your friends that you read over 100 books last year. They’ll be so impressed, and think you are super smart. You don’t need to tell them that they were all under 10,000 words each do you?
#8. You can read short stories to your kids, and be back in time to find out who the Bachelor chose.
Okay, well maybe not MY stories since they aren’t suitable for the kiddiewinks, but many good short stories are just the perfect length to put little Sally off to slumber land with a happy ever after ending. Try doing that with a Harry Potter novel.
#9. It’s Movie Time!
Short stories and novellas are the perfect length for being made into a movie or television series. Most novels are too long and have to be dramatically cut to fit into the 1-1/2 hour movie length. Popular movies born from short stories include Brokeback Mountain and Fight Club. There is a reason that directors are scouring the Amazon bestsellers for good short stories – just recently independent author Hugh Howey got his excellent short story Wool optioned for a movie by Ridley Scott. Nice.
#10. You, as a reader, have more input
Have control issues? No, me either – cough cough. But if you really want your favourite author to explore a character or genre then they are more likely to say yes if they write a short story. Recently an author had a goat in one of her novels. Yes a goat. And one reader wanted to find out what happened to said goat. Thus a short story was born. Your wish is my command.
Are you getting the picture? Short stories are important
But just in case having consumed the top reasons above you still don’t have a picture in your head, here’s one from Ebook Friendly
So what are you waiting for – it’s time to start reading short reads…….today
ShareWhen a Bollywood star turns up dead on the banks of the Brunswick River, Detective Stewart immediately has her boyfriend in the frame.
But Selena Sharma, guesthouse owner, Indian cooking school proprietor and part time amateur sleuth, isn’t quite so convinced. She has another theory which is usually right, much to the annoyance of Detective Stewart.
When another two Indian girls also are found murdered, Selena Sharma is convinced she’s on the right track. But she must act quickly and stop this killer immediately or her part time detective career will also be over.
Australian authors C T Mitchell serves up another intriguing myriad of suspects as the fast paced cozy mystery short read weaves its way to a climatic end. You won’t pick the ending!
Grab your copy now for just 99 cents.
You can devour this short read #2 in the Indian Mystery Series in a single sitting.
(PS Be careful on Valentine’s Day – not every proposal is a blessing)
*************** The Short Reads Starter Library *******************
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Writing and rejection go hand in hand. Writers can expect to get hundreds of rejections over time. Sometimes these hurt but you can’t allow the opinion of one single literary agent affect your writing career.. It is purely their opinion.
Instead of taking rejection personally you need to get back on the horse and continue writing. A writing career should be viewd as a long term option; not a short term venture. Gary Vaynerchuk reminds us often that as business people or entrepreneurs we need to be in the game for the long term. Writing is no exception.
So race out an get as many rejections from literary agents, book promoters, book store owners, publishers or whoever – and do it quickly. Put it into yesterday’s bin, refocus on the present and continue writing.
Watch the video below for my take on writing and rejection.
I want to give you my own Rejection. Grab a copy of my Amazon bestseller today FREE at http://www.FreeCrimeBooks.com – it’ll be your last Rejection!
Shareif you are not him, how do authors get their books found in India? Find one of the ‘Big 5’ or self publish. Let me explain my solitary option and why it’s the most attractive for new authors wanting to break into the India market if you are not Chetan Bhagat.
India book readers are growing in numbers. It’s been reported that there are approx 50 – 60 million English readers and growing in India.
Buying western books such as those sold via Amazon Kindle are not always easily accessible. Authors looking for India book publishers is also not simple. How to get publishers to publish your book in India can be painstaking at the best. Chetan Bhagat most likely has this sorted.
The big publishing houses like Random House, Penquin, Harper Collins and now Amazon all have a presence in Mumbai and other major cities throughout the country. This is great if an author is traditionally published through one of the ‘Big 5’ but self publishing indie authors can struggle in this market.
Australian author C T Mitchell has been attracting attention in India, especially with his latest short read, Murder By Butter Chicken. The catchy title has caught the eye of Amazon readers throughout the world with the book hitting #6 Amazon US in category, something even Chetan Bhagat would be proud of.
C T Mitchell is having to do the majority of the marketing. He has been in discussions with India book distributors but legal matters can be tricky. Trying to find foreign lawyers who have an understanding of India IP laws is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Instead C T Mitchell has continued down his self publishing route in spite of attractive suggestions that Bollywood may be interested in his works. It’s the carrot India book promoters dangle but tasting the ‘fruit’ maybe a distant dream. Time will tell but authors don’t live on bread and water alone.
In the meantime readers can grab his latest India mystery featuring the savvy Selena Sharma on his site http://www.TheShortReads.com
ShareCan short reads or short stories compete in this social media driven world where interrupting somebody’s day has become the latest catch cry. I think so and here’s why.
In January 2016 Amazon reported 1,064,000 eBook sales a DAY. While most of the sales are for novels, books on average 300 pages plus, shorter books are growing in popularity. Writers like C T Mitchell, James Patterson and Lee Child are trying to stem the tide of readers lost to television, video games and social media and bring them back to reading.
Short reads are attractive to those lost on Facebook and Twitter because they grab a readers attentions quickly. Visually they are smaller, lighter to hold and for a non-reader hold the promise that they will actually finish the book. Most short stories are under 5000 words, but short reads tend to be 5000 – 20,000 words. They can be devoured in a single sitting and that’s satisfying for those taking the usual numbing subway ride to work each day.
Short books are usually fast paced. They must grab the readers attention quickly. The books are generally plot driven supported by good characters. You’ll get a taste of a character but don’t expect to find out every single aspect of their lives. There’s simply not enough time.
James Patterson recently added Book Shots to his burgeoning book empire. With already some 326 books read, Mr Patterson is hoping to expand his book reach with these smaller novels. Short reads usually sell for 99 cents to $2.99 on Amazon with their paperback version going for around $4-$5.
Because of their size their is also an opportunity for short stories to be marketed in non traditional areas away from online book stores or traditional book stores. Sitting alongside magazines in service stations, airport shops or food outlets including supermarket checkouts could be where you’ll see short reads in the future.
But most importantly getting people back to reading or boosting somebody’s day with great entertainment is what short reads can offer. Go grab a free book today!
ShareIn a world of rapidly changing technology, computers and mobile devices dominate. Typing is the norm but let me tell you that it’s no match for writing. Non writers you need to mix things up a bit. There are serious health benefits to actually putting pen to paper.
When was the last time you wrote a letter to a friend? If you are under twenty you probably just answered never. What about a card then? Christmas, ok, that was a month ago. Let’s flip it over. How did you feel when you received a card in the mail? I’m guessing pretty good.
Writing is one of the key elements in humans growth. From your very first steps or words, writing is right up there. It triggers the brain’s senses and increases movement. If you haven’t done it for awhile, who knows what improvement in your life you’ve been missing out on.
But non writers, don’t fret. You can start this skill today and reap the following benefits:
Let’s say you need to give a speech. You could wing it and depending on your skill level come out looking like a hero or a bloody idiot who ummmed and erred their way through a painful experience. You could type up a few notes on your computer or iPad. Not bad but highlighting keywords or phrases covers your screen with hot pink highlighter (….and yes for you techno guys I do know you can highlight using a function on your device).
But scientists (that just gave this sentence credit ability) have proven that your memory will increase by 47% if you actually hand write out your speech. I can vouch for this approach. Whenever I have to give a speech I always hand write it out first. I seem to be able to retain the talk quicker in my head by doing that.
Hand writing improves cognitive ability and promotes fluidity of thought. Whenever I’m writing scenes or outlines for a new book I always hand write the outline first. Ideas seem to flow better and it allows me to quickly change direction if I need to.
Keeping a hand written journal is one sound technique for getting yourself out of a black hole. Psychologists often recommend that you write down your daily activities reinforcing the good things that are happening in your life. Being grateful is one of the best things you can do to boost your mood.
Hand writing experts can tell a lot from your handwriting. It’s easy for them to tell whether you are happy or depressed just by looking at a few slant, loops and strengths in your writing style.
So non writers, convinced you should start writing again? Let’s take a few small steps to get you going
A few easy steps to get you started. Who will you write to today? If you are stumped you can always write to me. PO Box 2138 Ashgrove West Qld 4060 AUSTRALIA. I’ll wait by my letterbox.
Leave me a comment below and let me know if you are a writer or non writer
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