I'll put down ways on how to get your work more noticed AND to find ways to get your short stories published.
Here's How:
Complete and proofread several stories before beginning this process. (See Are You Ready to Publish?.) While you may not have control over an editor's tastes or preferences, you can make sure your work is free of errors in spelling and grammar. Have more than one piece ready for submission in case an editor asks to see more work.
Become familiar with your market. Haunt a bookstore with a good selection of literary magazines. Take some time to read a few; consider subscribing to ones you particularly admire. At the very least, check out the websites of journals you are considering. Find out where writers you admire were published in the beginning of their careers.
Pick up (or check out from the library) a copy of Novel and Short Story Writer's Market. This book is essential for anyone serious about getting published. It includes descriptions of thousands of literary journals and magazines, with names of editors, reading periods, addresses, and brief descriptions of the kind of work they publish.
Format your work properly. Name, address, email address, and phone number in the upper left margin; word count in the upper right margin. Tab down a few lines and type the title, centered. Use 12 point font and double space. Do not include illustrations -- nothing will mark you as an amateur faster. Use a quality printer to print out your stories. (See an example of what this looks like in the "Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Published.")
Write a cover letter. It 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.) I've found it easiest to keep the cover letter saved on my computer, adapting the heading and salutation for each journal. If you are familiar with the journal and can show that familiarity in a sincere way, do so.
Track your submissions; a spreadsheet works well, though some people use index cards. You should be able to see at a glance where each story has been sent to avoid submitting to a journal more than twice in one year, or re-sending the same story. This will also help you track simultaneous submissions.
Pay attention to journals' rules about simultaneous submissions. (This information can be found at Novel and Short Story Writer's Market or on the journal's website.) If a story that you have simultaneously submitted is accepted somewhere, write the others to withdraw your submission.
If you don't hear back from a journal in a year, it is acceptable to write to enquire about or withdraw your submission. Otherwise, don't email or call editors. The last thing you want is to be viewed as a pest or a kook.
Tips:
Keep a supply of envelopes, paper, stamps, and printer ink on hand. Make multiple copies of your short stories. It's much easier to make yourself do this kind of administrative work if you have all the materials ready.
Keep sending out, especially when you've received a rejection. It's easier to weather rejections if you know you still have some work out there. On the other hand, if you you've been at it awhile and find yourself growing bitter, take a break and concentrate solely on writing.
Make sure you have the correct editor. Unless your edition of Novel and Short Story Writer's Market is the latest one, double check the website to make sure you have the correct information.
If you are applying to contests, beware of scams.
Start small and work your way up. Rejection is inevitable, but by starting small, you will build confidence even as your work improves. Consider local publications. Not only do unpublished writers have a better shot with local journals, but it may also introduce you to the literary community in your area.
What You Need:
Novel and Short Story Writer's Market (available at most libraries).
A good supply of white typing paper (avoid special paper, like onion skin).
A decent printer (not dot matrix).
Envelopes.
Stamps.
Finished work.
Advice taken from fictionwriting.about.com
If you have any more ideas, comment here or pm me.
Thanks,
I_Angel
Here's How:
Complete and proofread several stories before beginning this process. (See Are You Ready to Publish?.) While you may not have control over an editor's tastes or preferences, you can make sure your work is free of errors in spelling and grammar. Have more than one piece ready for submission in case an editor asks to see more work.
Become familiar with your market. Haunt a bookstore with a good selection of literary magazines. Take some time to read a few; consider subscribing to ones you particularly admire. At the very least, check out the websites of journals you are considering. Find out where writers you admire were published in the beginning of their careers.
Pick up (or check out from the library) a copy of Novel and Short Story Writer's Market. This book is essential for anyone serious about getting published. It includes descriptions of thousands of literary journals and magazines, with names of editors, reading periods, addresses, and brief descriptions of the kind of work they publish.
Format your work properly. Name, address, email address, and phone number in the upper left margin; word count in the upper right margin. Tab down a few lines and type the title, centered. Use 12 point font and double space. Do not include illustrations -- nothing will mark you as an amateur faster. Use a quality printer to print out your stories. (See an example of what this looks like in the "Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Published.")
Write a cover letter. It 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.) I've found it easiest to keep the cover letter saved on my computer, adapting the heading and salutation for each journal. If you are familiar with the journal and can show that familiarity in a sincere way, do so.
Track your submissions; a spreadsheet works well, though some people use index cards. You should be able to see at a glance where each story has been sent to avoid submitting to a journal more than twice in one year, or re-sending the same story. This will also help you track simultaneous submissions.
Pay attention to journals' rules about simultaneous submissions. (This information can be found at Novel and Short Story Writer's Market or on the journal's website.) If a story that you have simultaneously submitted is accepted somewhere, write the others to withdraw your submission.
If you don't hear back from a journal in a year, it is acceptable to write to enquire about or withdraw your submission. Otherwise, don't email or call editors. The last thing you want is to be viewed as a pest or a kook.
Tips:
Keep a supply of envelopes, paper, stamps, and printer ink on hand. Make multiple copies of your short stories. It's much easier to make yourself do this kind of administrative work if you have all the materials ready.
Keep sending out, especially when you've received a rejection. It's easier to weather rejections if you know you still have some work out there. On the other hand, if you you've been at it awhile and find yourself growing bitter, take a break and concentrate solely on writing.
Make sure you have the correct editor. Unless your edition of Novel and Short Story Writer's Market is the latest one, double check the website to make sure you have the correct information.
If you are applying to contests, beware of scams.
Start small and work your way up. Rejection is inevitable, but by starting small, you will build confidence even as your work improves. Consider local publications. Not only do unpublished writers have a better shot with local journals, but it may also introduce you to the literary community in your area.
What You Need:
Novel and Short Story Writer's Market (available at most libraries).
A good supply of white typing paper (avoid special paper, like onion skin).
A decent printer (not dot matrix).
Envelopes.
Stamps.
Finished work.
Advice taken from fictionwriting.about.com
If you have any more ideas, comment here or pm me.
Thanks,
I_Angel
