Jobs for writers: short stories
Short story writing is another way of earning money as a writer. However, this is a highly competitive market, and many sites either don't pay, or pay very small amounts.
Whether or not you submit to non paying markets is entirely your own decision. I found they helped me build a portfolio of published work, which contributed to establishing my credentials as a writer. However, I do believe that writers should be paid for their work, and now very rarely submit to non paying markets.
In the UK, Women's magazines like People's Friend, My Weekly and Women's Weekly are among those with the best pay rates, but they often don't take unsolicted work, or only want work from the writers who they have already published. I've had a few stories published in My Weekly.
Whether you write the story first, and then find a market, or find the market and then write with that market in mind, is entirely your choice. I like to write the story, and then adapt it if needed. This way, I write the story that is in my imagination. However, from time to time when I see a call for something specific that grabs my attention, I write with that market in mind.
Finding a market
The books at the bottom of this page are one of the best ways of knowing who will pay for your work, and explaining what the publishers want. I would highly recommend having a copy, and rather than updating it, check the websites for the latest info before submitting.
There are also a number of websites I like to use that either list markets or publish a call for submissions (when a journal announces that they want stories)
- Paying markets listed on Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity
- Calls for submissions listed on Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity
- Writer's Digest lists the top 30 short story markets (paying and non paying)
- The Write life has a list of 30 markets
- The Grinder, which is a submissions tracker
- Submittable: another submissions tracker, but it is used by a lot of magazines to accept submissions, and you can search for markets. It's worth signing up, as you'll probably need an account to submit your work at some point.
Study your market
Short story magazines are very specific in terms of what they want, and it is essential to do your research before submitting. You can do this by looking at the submission guidelines, which usually stipulate the layout of the story, genres, styles, themes word counts. Not following the guidelines to the letter is the fastest way to have your work rejected. Make sure you read the magazine to get an idea of the types of stories they publish.
Submit your work
When you're sure your work is as good as it can be (always edit until it hurts!) and you've found a suitable market, then write a professional letter / email (as per their instructions) offering your work. This is known as a 'query letter' and you can find guidelines on writing these here. This is your one chance to pitch your work to that journal, so don't blow it. It's also a good idea to keep a track of which stories you have submitted where. Many journals don't allow simultaneous submissions (where you send the same story to more than one magazine at a time)
Wait
This is the tough part. It can take anything from there months to a year to hear whether or not they liked your work. Many rejection letters are standard, and give very little feedback, so when you do get feedback, cherish it. Some journals will ask for changes, and may accept your work if you make them. I often say you need the hide of a rhino to be a writer, so don't be upset if your work is rejected. It could be rejected because of the timing, the theme, style or even the tastes of the editor. I know from experience that another editor may love it. Sometimes the story needs more work, so always carefully consider feedback. If your work is rejected, then always remember you are in good company - every famous writer has had their work rejected at some point - even JK Rowling. Somewhere there are editors kicking themselves on that one!
Writing is a tough business, but like everything in life, it takes hard work. I write because I love to write, and there is nothing more magical than when a story comes to life on the page. Getting paid to write is a bonus.