Navigating Literary Magazines: Tips for Submitting Your Short Stories for Publication

For many short story writers, getting published in a literary magazine is a major milestone. It’s an opportunity to showcase your work, connect with readers, and gain recognition within the writing community. However, the process of submitting your short stories for publication can feel daunting—there are countless magazines to choose from, submission guidelines to follow, and the ever-present possibility of rejection.

To help you navigate this often-challenging journey, here’s a guide that offers key tips for submitting your short stories to literary magazines. With the right approach and a solid understanding of the process, you can improve your chances of success and feel more confident as you pursue publication.

1. Research Literary Magazines

Before you submit your short story, take the time to research literary magazines thoroughly. Not all magazines are the same—they each have unique tastes, themes, and editorial preferences. Some focus on literary fiction, while others may be more open to genre work like fantasy, science fiction, or experimental writing.

Start by identifying magazines that publish the kind of work you write. Browse through their archives and read several stories they’ve already published. This will give you a sense of their style and whether your work would be a good fit. Look for magazines that have published stories with similar themes, tone, or length to your own. By targeting the right magazines, you increase your chances of finding a publication that aligns with your storytelling style.

You can start your search by visiting sites like Duotrope, Submittable, and Poets & Writers, which provide comprehensive lists of literary magazines and their submission guidelines. Pay attention to details like genre preferences, word count limits, and submission windows.

2. Follow Submission Guidelines

Each literary magazine has its own submission guidelines, and it’s essential to follow them to the letter. Ignoring these guidelines can result in an automatic rejection—no matter how brilliant your story is. Be meticulous when reviewing the guidelines, which are typically found on the magazine’s website.

Key elements to watch out for include:

• Word Count: Some magazines have strict word count limits. If your story exceeds their range, it’s better to revise the story or find a different magazine rather than submit something that doesn’t fit.

• Format: Most literary magazines prefer standard manuscript formatting, which includes a readable font like Times New Roman, double-spacing, page numbers, and your contact information in the header. Double-check their preferences before submitting.

• Submission Process: Some magazines use platforms like Submittable for managing submissions, while others may request submissions via email. Be sure to send your story in the requested format, whether it’s as a Word document, PDF, or pasted into the body of the email.

• Simultaneous Submissions: Many magazines allow you to submit the same story to multiple outlets at the same time, but some do not. Always check if they accept simultaneous submissions and notify them promptly if your story is accepted elsewhere.

3. Write a Strong Cover Letter

While the story itself is the star of the show, a concise, professional cover letter can help make a positive first impression. Most literary magazines expect a short cover letter that includes the title of your story, its word count, and a brief bio. The goal is to be polite, professional, and to the point.

Here’s an example of a simple, effective cover letter:

Dear [Editor’s Name],

I am submitting my short story, “Title of Your Story,” for consideration at [Name of Literary Magazine]. The story is approximately [X] words and is a work of [fiction, science fiction, etc.]. I have previously been published in [list 1-2 publications, if applicable], and my writing has appeared in [list if applicable]. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,
[Your Name]

If you haven’t been published before, don’t worry—many literary magazines welcome submissions from emerging writers. Just keep your cover letter brief and professional.

4. Keep Track of Your Submissions

Submitting your stories to multiple magazines can quickly become overwhelming. It’s helpful to stay organized by tracking where and when you’ve submitted your work. Consider using a spreadsheet or submission tracker to note:

• The title of your story

• The magazine it was submitted to

• The submission date

• Whether it’s a simultaneous submission

• The expected response time

This will help you avoid accidentally submitting the same story to a non-simultaneous magazine and keep you informed on when to follow up or resubmit elsewhere.

5. Be Prepared for Rejection

Rejection is an inevitable part of the submission process. Even the most celebrated authors receive rejection letters, so don’t let it discourage you. Rejections often aren’t a reflection of your story’s quality but rather the magazine’s specific needs or the preferences of the editors.

When you receive a rejection, take it as a learning experience. If the magazine offers feedback, consider it thoughtfully and make revisions if necessary. And if the rejection is a form letter, don’t be disheartened—keep submitting your story to other outlets.

Many writers find success by submitting the same story to multiple magazines. What doesn’t resonate with one editor might be exactly what another is looking for.

6. Stay Persistent and Keep Improving

The submission process can be slow and full of rejections, but persistence is key. Keep writing, revising, and submitting. With each submission, you improve your chances of finding the right home for your work. Along the way, continue honing your craft by reading other writers, participating in workshops, and revising your stories.

The road to publication may be long, but by staying persistent and taking each step thoughtfully, you will eventually break through and find your story’s audience.

Conclusion

Submitting to literary magazines is both an exciting and challenging process for short story writers. By researching magazines carefully, following submission guidelines, writing a strong cover letter, and staying organized, you increase your chances of success. While rejections are inevitable, persistence and dedication to your craft will ultimately lead to publication. Keep pushing forward, and your work will find its place in the literary world.