Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Ten Tips on Writing Short Stories that Sell by Jacqueline Seewald

I’ve written well over a hundred short stories, most of which have sold and some which have also sold as reprints. I’ve learned some things which I’ll share with you. In addition, I’m listing current markets for short stories.

Tip One:

There are two ways to go about this. You can write for a specific market following their guidelines and requirements or you can write the story you want to write and then look for a market that is appropriate. I suggest the latter choice--unless you are specifically invited to submit your work by an editor for a themed anthology or magazine issue.

Tip Two:

You are unlikely to sell short stories unless you’ve read a great many of them. This will give you an instinctive grasp of the genre. If you don’t enjoy reading short stories, you shouldn’t bother writing them. It will show.

Tip Three:

 Don’t assume that because short stories are brief in length that they are easy to write. In reality, it takes discipline to write a good short story and sheer brilliance to write a great one. Short stories are focused works of fiction.

Tip Four:

You need to decide the type of short fiction you intend to write. Do you love literary short stories? Try then to write one of your own. Are you into speculative fiction? Do you enjoy science fiction, horror, or fantasy? Are you a mystery writer? Read some of the best both past and present before you attempt your own.  However, be aware that each genre has its own type of content. Mashups are acceptable, but first know the rules of each genre before you attempt to mix them. Do the research before you start to write.

Tip Five:

Whether writing short fiction or a novel, you need to consider the basics: plot, setting, characters, and theme. Analyze how they fit together in your story. Each of these components deserves at the very least an individual blog—something for the future.

Tip Six:

Also consider style and point of view. For instance, who is telling the story? Will this story work best in first or third person? Why? Is the narrator sophisticated, jaded, innocent, naïve? The style and choice of language needs to reflect these considerations.

Tip Seven:

When you finish writing your story, put it away for a while and go on to another project. Wait at least one month, then reread and revise as is needed. You are now the editor. You will see the need for changes and improvements.

Tip Eight:

When you are ready to submit your story for publication, carefully read the submission guidelines. You have to follow them exactly. Each market has its own requirements.

Tip Nine:

Avoid writing only for “exposure” if possible. There are paying markets that encourage beginners without publishing credits.

Tip Ten:

Here are some market resources that will help you:

Novel and Short Story Writer's Market

One valuable source of information. You can buy it or ask for it at the reference desk of your local library. It is published yearly.


Check out these free websites:

http://ralan.com/  (excellent current market listings for genre short story fiction)

http://darkmarkets.com/ (another up-to-date listing for spectulative fiction)
http://writingcareer.com/ (posts new opportunities for freelance writers) This is written daily and managed by Brian Scott of:
http://www.freelancewriting.com/ (another valuable site which offers free newsletters that are up-to-date. Do subscribe for Morning Coffee!)
http://sandraseamans.blogspot.com/ a great resource. Sandra blogs almost every day and offers the most current market listings as well as discussions on writing. Although her interest is geared toward mystery fiction, you will find many others listings of value here as well.
(submission database)

Finally, if you are curious about my writing credits, here are some of my stories available as free reads:

Beyond the Bo Tree
(first story in this collection is a free read)

Over My Dead Body!
"The Hotel Room Murder"-a locked room mystery with a modern twist

"Murder and Money"-police are aided by forensics in solving a homicide

The Gumshoe Review
"A Saint Valentine's Day Massacre"
Husband and wife detectives investigate separate cases that converge on a murder.

Comments welcome here!








30 comments:

  1. All so useful! I'm such a wordy writer, writing small is harder than not. Thanks for sharing, Jacqueline.

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  2. Hi, Rose,

    I know you're a romance novelist, but there are some very good markets for romance short fiction as well. Check out Cindi Myers blogsite.

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  3. Very good advice, Jacquie, and a very useful list of resources.

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  4. Thanks, Susan, I hope some of it will prove useful to you.

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  5. I am in awe, Jacqueline. I cannot write a short story to save my life and admire those who can. You have done a spectacular job!

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    1. Hi, Janis,

      I really think writers should try short stories before they attempt a novel.

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  6. An informative blog, Jacquie -- one that is helpful to all of us.

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    1. Betty,

      Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you found this blog useful.

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  7. Good advice, Jacquie, and thanks for adding the list of your stories to read and the market resources. I agree that writing a short story isn't as easy as it looks. For me, writing a good one is harder than plotting a novel!

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    Replies
    1. It does take self-discipline to work with a narrow focus.

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  8. Jacquie, thanks so much for this excellent advice. I'm teaching a class on short stories tomorrow and will refer the students to this post. All good points to remember and pursue.

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    1. Hi, Paula,

      Edgar Allan Poe gave the best advice for short story writers. He spoke of creating a "unity of effect," focusing on a single incident or character. His stories always develop from a single viewpoint.

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  9. Wow! You impress me more and more the more (ha!) I learn about you! I cannot write a short story to save my soul and so admire those who can. I've written two novellas, and boy, is it hard.

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  10. I think D'Ann that novelists like you don't give themselves enough credit.

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  11. Great tips from a master. I think #2 is so important. I hate it when people tell me they're too busy writing to read anything. Great short stories can stick with you forever.

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    1. Hi, Travis,

      I really do believe that good writers are readers and that's where the desire to write is initiated.

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  12. Wonderful tips, Jacqueline. I agree with Travis--reading is so important for writers. I've met too many who say they hardly ever read fiction. It shows in their writing. And thanks for resources. Very useful!

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  13. Hi, Jan,

    Thanks for coming by and commenting. I know that you are a reader as well as a writer.

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  14. Very good tips, Jacquie, thanks. I've just finished a stint of judging shorts for a contest, so my head is full of stories. Level Best books anthology is one of the best markets, I think, for short mystery fiction. I earned all of $25 for my last one--but that was a lot more than I got for most of mine--free copies in the lit magazines!

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Nancy,

      You are generous with your time. Level Best anthologies are terrific for New England writers.

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  15. But what's the difference between writing a short story and writing a short story that people will want to buy? Is it tightness of plot? Should you plan more than with a novel so that the opening lines reflect the end? Do twist endings do better than 'straight' endings when looking for a sale?

    Your tips are good, but they're the same tips people hear everywhere. I'd like to know what the foundation for professional writing vs. strong amateur short stories is.

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    1. Hi, Anonymous,

      You sound frustrated. I can well understand that. As I said, reading and then following submission guidelines is important. Also when possible become familiar with the previous stories that have been published there. Some publications prefer twist endings, others don't. A tight, clever plot is one consideration. But so is characterization, theme, and setting. Short story writing is a tough market for professional writing. The average paying market gets many hundreds of submissions for each call. We all get a fair share of rejection. Don't get discouraged if writing is what you really want to do. Just keep honing your craft.

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  16. You're so right, Jacqui. Writing shorts is a gift and a skill that improves with practice. Many thanks for all the tips and leads!

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Nikki,

      Thanks for dropping by. I hope this information proves useful to you.

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  17. Thanks for these helpful reminders, Jacquie, and for the equally helpful list of resources.

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  18. Thanks, B.K., for stopping by. You are such a well-published short story writer. Your opinion matters a great deal.

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  19. Enjoyed your post on the tips and new markets! Always on the lookout for markets for those stories already written, inspiring! From one jersey girl at heart to another, keep up the fantastic work! ;)

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  20. Pamela,

    I hope the market sites I mentioned prove helpful to you. Nice to hear from another Jersey girl!

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  21. Good post, Jacqueline. Digital publishing has actually benefited the short fiction market. More people are buying ebook short stories than print ones I believe. Kindle Singles is another venue.

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  22. Hi, Joan,

    Initially I didn't consider myself published unless my work came out in print. Now so many are digital readers while digital publications are paying much better. My thinking changed with the times.

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