Along with traditional print publishers, the short story publisher has found a new home in online publishing. Short stories are well-suited to the medium of eBooks, websites, online journals, and hand-held reading devices. Short story publishing is making a comeback, though it is still a tough market to break into. Finding your niche and then working your way into it can be a tricky task. Here are some helpful tips on publishing and choosing the correct short story publisher for you:
Do Your Research. Find out who the short story publishers are, where they are, and how to contact them. Often, they are often novel publishers. It helps to attend short story conferences or seminars, learn the hot topics and trends specific to this industry--understanding these will help you present your manuscript in a more appealing light by tying it to a popular trend.
Consider Using an Agent. It is a literary agent's job to help you get published--that's how they make their money--they have the short story publisher connections, the advice, the know-how, the time. Having literary agent representation gives you an instant degree of credibility.
Choose the Right Publisher for You. You need to understand what each publisher's specialties, strengths, and preferences are, so you can narrow down the story publishing company list and match up your material with their needs correctly. Be thorough and picky. The same advice applies to literary agents.
Approach the Publisher Properly. Some short story publishers want a call first, some want an email, some want a query letter, some just want a portion of your manuscript in the mail. You must show respect and approach them how they want to be approached--take the publisher's advice; otherwise, they will not listen to you or consider your short story. The same goes for approaching an agent.
Learn to Shrug Off Rejection. On the average, 99% of submissions to both short story publishers and literary agents get rejected, especially if you've never been published before. That's just the way it is. It will help if you can learn from rejection. Be open-minded. You may need to revise and try again. If you have talent and perseverance, you will succeed in getting published.
Some resources that offer help in getting published in the short story industry:
A great website that offers extensive story publisher listings, resources, and other short story help is www.topicsites.com/publishers/short-story.htm.
Novel & Short Story Writer's Market. This gives 2000 completely updated novel and short story listings, including magazines, publishers, literary agents, contests and literary journals. It also provides expert advice from a spectrum of professional writers, along with helpful resources listing short story conferences, workshops, and writing programs.
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents. This directory provides everything working writers need to find the most receptive short story publishing firms, editors and agents for their work. Each entry presents an overview of the publisher, including its history and current lines, followed by the names of specific editors, their areas of interest, and complete contact information.
