Finding short story markets isn’t always easy—you’ve probably stared at your screen wondering where to even start. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when submitting your writing, especially if you’ve faced rejection before.
But don’t worry; this guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from spotting open markets to tracking submissions and learning from rejections. Stick with it, and you’ll gain confidence and see steady progress.
Ready to get your story out there? Let’s jump right in.
Key Takeaways
- Start by finding active short story markets through sites like Submittable, Duotrope, or Submission Grinder.
- Always carefully read and follow each market’s specific submission guidelines, especially length, formatting, and file type requirements.
- Polish your manuscript thoroughly with proofreading tools, and get feedback from trusted readers before submitting.
- Submit your story through popular submission systems, include a short cover letter, and track your submissions using spreadsheets or dedicated apps.
- Expect rejections—use them positively to improve your stories, and stay persistent by continually resubmitting.
- Look into niche markets tailored specifically to your genre to increase your publication chances.
- Subscribe to publishers’ newsletters and social media for updates on new submission opportunities, contests, and events.
- Join writing communities online for practical tips, shared market opportunities, and valuable support.
Step 1: Find Short Story Markets Open Now
Wondering how to get started getting your short stories out there? Your first move is finding short story markets that are actively accepting new submissions right now.
There are plenty of online resources to help you locate current markets easily. Websites like Submittable, Duotrope, and Submission Grinder provide lists of publishers by genre, submission deadlines, and even response times.
It’s a good idea to subscribe to newsletters and follow publishers and magazines you like on social media since they often announce open submission periods and themes.
For example, right now, Clarkesworld is an excellent market known specifically for science fiction and fantasy submissions, while Granta often seeks literary fiction from both established and emerging authors.
Another useful tip is joining writing communities or Facebook groups dedicated to short story submissions—often writers there will share the latest markets and insider tips on what’s open and what editors are currently looking for.
Step 2: Check Submission Requirements Carefully
Publishers often clearly detail their submission guidelines, but you would be surprised how many authors miss the basics.
Double-check the requested word count—short stories usually range between 2,000 to 7,500 words, but some markets prefer ultra-short flash fiction (under 1,000 words) or slightly longer novelettes.
Each market might have different formatting guidelines, like double-spaced text, specific fonts, or anonymized documents—always follow these precisely.
If the guidelines include requests like submitting a cover letter or author bio, don’t overlook them—these parts might seem minor but can strongly influence how professional and prepared you appear to editors. Check some practical short author bio examples to help craft yours effectively.
Some markets also ask for specific file formats, such as PDF or Word—sending anything else could result in instant rejection, so stick strictly to their preferences.
Step 3: Prepare Your Short Story for Submission
Polish your work before sending it off—first impressions count heavily here.
Proofread multiple times and utilize tools like ProWritingAid or other top proofreading software to eliminate grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and any awkward wording.
Carefully format your manuscript according to standard short story guidelines: double-spaced paragraphs, clear and readable fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, indentations for dialogue, and a professional title page with your story’s title, your name, and contact information.
Remember, never use fancy fonts, clip art, or decorative details—they distract rather than impress.
It could be helpful to get another set of eyes on your story by asking a trusted friend, joining a writing group, or working with a beta reader who can offer fresh insights and suggestions.
With fiction books expected to surpass $11.38 billion in market size by the end of 2025, according to recent market analyses, it’s clear that short stories are becoming more popular—so the competition may be stiff, making preparation all the more crucial.
Step 4: Submit Your Short Story to Selected Markets
You’ve written, polished, checked the guidelines, and now it’s go-time—sending your story actually out there.
Most markets these days prefer submissions through platforms like Submittable or via a submission form on their own site.
Create accounts ahead of time on platforms you’ll be using often, like Submittable or Submission Grinder, to make things quicker and keep everything organized.
Always include a short, friendly cover letter when submitting—just who you are, the story offer you’re sending, where else you’ve been published if you have, and maybe a quick thanks to the editor.
Be sure to double-check you’re submitting the correct version of your document (yes, submitting your rough draft by mistake happens more often than you’d think!).
After you hit submit, celebrate a little—you took another big step forward!
Step 5: Keep Track of Your Submissions and Deadlines
Keeping tabs on your story submissions is crucial so you don’t miss any deadlines or lose track of what’s sent where.
Try using nifty tools like a simple spreadsheet, Trello boards, or specialized apps like the Submission Grinder to manage your story statuses effortlessly.
Make sure your tracking system clearly lists the market submitted to, titles, dates sent, expected response time, and any feedback received along the way.
Set reminders on your phone or calendar app to follow up after the typical response time has passed; sometimes emails slip under the radar, and gentle follow-up emails can prompt quicker responses from editors.
This way, you’ll also easily identify when it’s safe to submit again elsewhere if you receive a rejection.
Step 6: Learn from Rejections and Keep Submitting
Here’s the thing—even the best authors face rejection, so if it happens to you, you’re in great company!
Treat each rejection like a chance to learn something new—if you’re fortunate enough to receive personalized feedback, take it seriously and ask yourself if there’s a way to strengthen your story or clarify your intentions.
Consider joining a critique group or working with experienced beta readers, who can give you fresh eyes and unbiased feedback before your next attempt.
Also, don’t take rejections personally; often they’re not about your skills at all but simply a mismatch with the editor’s taste, market needs, or the story lineup they’ve already planned.
Just dust yourself off, tweak as necessary, and quickly submit again—success often belongs to the writer who stays persistent.
Step 7: Discover Niche and Genre-Specific Short Story Markets
Did you know specialized niche markets can often increase your acceptance odds because there’s less competition?
Research markets targeting your specific genres or sub-genres, such as niche anthologies, digital literary magazines focused on particular themes, or genre-specialized journals like horror, sci-fi, fantasy, romance and historical fiction.
You might get inspired using genre-specific resources such as horror story plot guides or dystopian plot generators.
This targeted approach helps ensure editors will appreciate your particular style and storyline, increasing your chances of success.
Many niche markets also foster passionate fan communities, offering greater opportunities for visibility and audience connection—even a smaller readership immediately engaged with your story is a win worth celebrating.
Step 8: Stay Updated on Upcoming Short Story Opportunities
The short story market moves fast—new calls for submissions, anthologies, contests, and themed events pop up regularly, so staying in the loop is key.
Sign up for newsletters and RSS feeds from your favorite magazines, publishers, and helpful writing resources such as Duotrope or Submission Grinder.
Follow your favorite publishers’ social media, especially Twitter or Instagram, as editors frequently release surprise calls or reminders about upcoming submission deadlines.
Attend literary events and workshops—virtual and in-person—to connect directly with editors or learn about upcoming anthologies or opportunities you might miss otherwise.
Actively staying informed directly helps your chances of successful submissions.
Step 9: Join Writing Communities for Market Tips and Advice
You don’t have to do this alone—joining writer groups and online communities helps keep you motivated and connected to real-world advice about markets.
Facebook groups, Reddit’s r/Writing, Discord forums, or dedicated writers’ workshops and retreats can offer invaluable insider perspectives on publishers, share open calls you missed, and provide quick feedback on your story concepts and publishing experiences.
Not only that—getting involved means you’ll build friendships with other authors who understand your frustrations over rejections and excitement when you finally get that “YES.”
Experienced authors often share handy writing prompts or trending genres—here’s an example source of realistic fiction writing prompts to keep ideas flowing.
This social support can genuinely help you keep momentum, foster connections that benefit your writing career, and simply make the publishing journey more enjoyable.
FAQs
You can find open short story markets through websites such as Duotrope, The Submission Grinder, and Submittable. Writing communities and online forums also regularly share updated lists of magazines, anthologies, and contests accepting stories.
Always verify guidelines carefully, including word count, formatting, submission deadlines, genre or theme needs, and whether they accept simultaneous submissions. Follow all instructions exactly to improve your chance of acceptance.
Use a spreadsheet, submission tracking software like Submittable, or apps that record market names, dates submitted, responses, and other details. Regularly updated tracking ensures you meet deadlines and prevents duplicate submissions.
Understand that rejection is common and usually not personal. Learn from feedback provided, improve your stories, and keep submitting elsewhere. Persistence often leads to eventual acceptance as your skills and experience grow.
