Formatting Your Short Story for Submission

In this article, I try to list some basics about formatting a short story for submission. As in most things, the rules aren't set in stone. The best thing to do is learn as much as you can about what an editor wants BEFORE sending him a story, and then getting familiar with certain magazines (perhaps magazines you submit to on a regular basis) and KNOW what they want from experience.

Despite subtle differences in the "wants" and "don't wants" of editors, there are some starting points that rarely vary (accompanied by some exceptions):

Always double-space your manuscript.

Always put your name and address at the top of the first page. For contests (and the occasional odd editor), you will be asked NOT to put your name on every page; even by some you may be asked not to put your name anywhere except on a separate piece of paper. And some editors are picky about where you put your name and address, on the left or the right. Personally, I think that's a ridiculous nit-pick, but I try to appease their particular tastes.

Always put your name (at least last name), the title of the story, and the page number on EACH PAGE (generally making that a "header" or "footer" works great).

Always paper clip your manuscript pages (I've only once seen a request to staple the manuscript).

Always use a minimum of one-inch margins all around.

Always use clear, common fonts (Ariel, Times Roman, Chicago Times, etc.) and 12 point is very reasonable. If you use a typewriter, make sure the ribbon is fairly new, and NEVER send your only copy of anything to an editor.

Don't include a diskette unless the guidelines state to do so. If an editor wants an electronic copy, he will ask you for it when he accepts your story. If I include a cover letter, I generally mention that the story is available upon request on diskette in IBM format or via email.

Cover letters are up to you. Some editors always want them. Some editors hate them. And some editors couldn't care less. If you do enclose a cover letter be brief, NEVER say what your story is about (you may mention some background experience of yours that makes you more suitable to write a particular type of story if that's applicable to the situation), and be cautious with bio and credits. It may be a nice idea for an editor to see where you've been published before, but beware the occasional editor who loathes braggarts . Best to get the guidelines and see what's requested.

The copyright of the article Formatting Your Short Story for Submission in Publishing Short Fiction is owned by Laura Elvin. Permission to republish Formatting Your Short Story for Submission in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic