Read the guidelines
On a whim, I went online and located four magazines, then printed out their writers’ guidelines. I found most of the guidelines close to what I do out of habit. Whew! However, I wouldn’t dream of submitting anything to a publication without reading the guidelines first. I made that mistake early on and learned from it. No two are identical.
One publication states that they would prefer that the stories not be over 12,000 words. The next one says 2,500 up to 25,000 words. The third asks for 750 to 4,000 words and please do not break the rules. If you do, we will return your submission unread. The fourth wants no more than 6,000 but not less than 2,000 words.
Two of the four will accept all submissions. The other two request that you query them first. GAH! I haven’t written a query letter in so long, do I remember how? Play it safe stick with the two who don’t require them. That’s the ticket.
Each publication has different rules on manuscript preparation. Their pay scale varies as well.
If you want to submit a story to a magazine, take the time to read their guidelines and an issue or two.
Posted on October 14, 2009, in Writer, Writing and tagged Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing. Bookmark the permalink. 9 Comments.
Doggonedmysteries 
I looked at a few places and noticed the same rules. I am a little confused on all fronts but I am sure I will get it figured out but not going to do anything until my story has been picked over with a fine tooth comb. Again thank you so much for taking the time to read it and help me out.
While reading the guidelines are a definite basic place to start, I’d also even more strongly encourage reading at least the last two issues. And, while you’re at it, see if the editor has changed recently, such as since the guidelines were last revised. Musical chairs with magazine editors happens regularly.
Compare any articles that have anything in common with what you are writing to the guidelines. This not only is subject, but length, style, and timeliness. When in doubt, go with what was published.
This I know is arduous at first, but it becomes easier with time and experience.
SM–as Elena said, reading some issues is very important so that you have a feel for what they want.
Elena–Yes, the editorial musical chairs can be a real problem even after an article or story has been accepted. A new editor can mean a story you thought was accepted bounces back.
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…..Frank Scurley
I’m glad you stopped by. 🙂
Hello from Russia!
Can I quote a post in your blog with the link to you?
Yes, from one post. However, I do not give permission to quote anything from my book excerpts.
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LOL,
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