Reader Mail January 1998

Subject: Ghost writers.

I am more interested in finding out how to get something published, as I have some short stories that I would like to get into the market place. Any help I can get I would thank you for.

Gerald Nithcher
Heains, OR
Email:Attoway@hotmail

Dear Gerald,

You must first be prepared to do some research on the markets which publish the type of story you are selling. We recommend that you purchase or borrow a copies of the following books: The Novel & Short Story Writer's Market (Writers Digest Books, 1997), Writers Market (Writers Digest Books, 1998) and The Writer's Handbook (The Writer, Inc., 1998). For online publications which publish short stories, try the Writers Write free guidelines database. Be sure to read the guidelines for the publication to which you are submitting. Study the publication to determine its style. When you have targeted your market, write a professional sounding query letter (the resources mentioned will give examples of this) to your chosen publication, addressing the editor by name. Call first to determine who is the correct person and to ensure the correct spelling of his or her name. This is a very streamlined explanation of the mechanics of submitting a short story for publication, but it should get you pointed in the right direction. Good luck to you!

--The Editors

Return to the January 1998 issue of The IWJ.