Short Story Book Publishing
So, you’ve written a great story, have you? Before you start sending out those submissions, you may want to read through these short story book publishing tips.
First and foremost – is your story truly publishable? Aside from your mom and your best friend, has anyone else read your work? If you have received approval from various sources, you should try to understand the publishing world as a whole before you continue on your literary quest. To begin, put yourself in the shoes of a short story book publishing editor.
Thousands upon thousands of aspiring authors send in their short story submissions to publishing houses daily. Picture, if you will, a large, overflowing, sack filled with story submissions (usually called a “slushpile”). Editors (and interns) must go through each story with a fine tooth comb in order to find out if it is truly worth their energy and time. In short – make sure that your short story is perfect.
Check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar over and over again – you may even want to consider hiring an editor at this point. If a publishing house editor sees that your story is full of simple spelling mistakes, you can bet that your story will go straight into the discard pile. Next, make sure that you story is easily followed. Though you may make the connection between two characters that have nothing in common, those reading your book may not. Once you are sure that your story is cohesive, make a list of short story book publishing houses.
If you know where you want to send your story (choose at least five different publishers), check each set of writer’s guidelines. Every publishing house has a particular style that they want all possible stories to come in, so make sure that you abide by these (and yes, you will have to change your text for each publisher). Finally, familiarize yourself with the type of magazine that you are soliciting. There is nothing more frustrating for an editor than to come across a short story about child rearing when the publication deals with the automotive industry ... understand where I’m coming from here?
Short story book publishing does not have to be entirely complex. In fact, you can easily find a way for your work to stand out amongst all others with a bit of effort. Spend the time to do your homework and know the publisher that you seek. Remember, there are millions of writers in the world, but there is only one writer just like you.