How to Publish a Story

The tales of many creative storytellers have been lost over the years because the stories were never published. The key to attracting the attention of editors is in presentation and persistence. Follow these simple steps for a professional appearing submission to a publisher. 

Items Needed:

• Computer


• Envelopes


• Paper


• Spreadsheet software


• Stamps

1. Polish the story by proofing for spelling and grammar errors. Short stories often never pass the first readers due to the number of spelling and grammar errors. 


2. Ask other writers or English instructors to critique the story. There may be gaps in the story that are not apparent to the writer. 


3. Research the marketplace to determine the type of material each magazine or journal desires. For example, a children’s magazine would not be interested in a story about repairing Internet cables, however, an electronics magazine might publish the story.  


4. Prepare a spreadsheet listing the potential magazine or journals, an address, phone number, possible contact and two check-off columns, one for date the submission was sent and the other column for a response.


5. Read the instructions on the website for the magazine or journal for proper formatting directions. 


6. Place contact information on the submission, as the cover letter may become separated from the story.


7. Prepare a cover letter. Include a brief summary and a word count in the cover letter.


8. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with each submission for the company to return the story if rejected.


9. Send a letter to withdraw a submission from other magazines and journals, if a particular company accepts the story. If a rejection or notification is not received within a year, it is acceptable to inquire or withdraw a submission.


10. Continue to write, polish additional stories and submit the stories to magazines and journals. Rejections are easier to endure when hope for potential offers exists.