Short Story Markets: 9 Steps To Submit and Get Published

Finding short story markets can feel weirdly harder than writing the story itself. I’ve definitely sat there staring at a blank submission page thinking, “Okay… who even takes this kind of thing?” If you’ve been rejected before, that feeling gets even louder. You’re not alone.

What helped me was treating market hunting like a process, not a mystery. Once you know where to look, how to read guidelines properly, and how to keep track of everything, submissions stop feeling like chaos and start feeling… doable.

So yeah—let’s get your story in front of editors. Here’s my 9-step approach to submitting short stories and actually improving your odds of getting published.

Step 1: Find Short Story Markets Open Now

If you want results, start with markets that are actually accepting submissions. Sounds obvious, but I’ve wasted time before—submitting too late, or pitching the wrong batch of stories because I didn’t double-check.

Use market databases to filter by genre and openness. Sites like Submittable, Duotrope, and Submission Grinder are especially helpful because they show deadlines (or at least “open/closed” status) and often include details like response times or submission history.

Also, subscribe to newsletters and follow magazines/publishers you genuinely like. Editors often announce open calls in the same places they hang out—email first, then social media.

For instance, Clarkesworld is a well-known home for science fiction and fantasy submissions, and Granta frequently publishes literary fiction (including work from emerging writers).

One more thing I’ve learned the hard way: join a few writing communities (especially Facebook groups or forums focused on submissions). People there tend to post “this is open right now” updates faster than most websites do. And honestly, that insider timing can matter.

Step 2: Check Submission Requirements Carefully

Publishers usually spell out their rules clearly. The problem is… most of us skim when we’re excited. I’ve done it. Then you get the “unfortunately, this doesn’t meet our guidelines” email and it’s like, yep, that was my fault.

First, confirm the word count range. Many markets accept stories around 2,000–7,500 words, but you’ll also find flash fiction calls (often under 1,000 words) and sometimes novelettes that run longer. If your story is 8,200 words and they cap at 7,500, don’t try to “round up.” Just trim.

Next, check formatting. Some want double-spaced text, specific fonts (Times New Roman or Arial are common), and anonymized submissions. If they ask for a title page, include it. If they ask for no identifying info in the manuscript, remove it—even in the footer.

Cover letters can matter more than people think. If a market requests an author bio or cover letter, follow that request. A strong bio doesn’t have to be long, but it should be clean and relevant. If you want a starting point, check these short author bio examples.

Finally, match the file format exactly. If they request PDF or Word and you send something else, that’s an instant problem. I try to save my “final submission” versions with clear filenames like StoryTitle_AuthorName_PublisherName.pdf so I don’t accidentally upload the wrong draft.

Step 3: Prepare Your Short Story for Submission

Before you submit, do the boring prep work. It pays off. Editors are busy, and they can tell when a piece has been rushed.

I usually run my draft through a couple passes: grammar/spelling first, then a deeper read for clarity and flow. Tools like ProWritingAid help catch issues, but I still rely on human eyes too. If you want more options, you can compare other top proofreading software.

Format it like a “professional manuscript,” not like a creative document. In my experience, that means:

• Double-spaced paragraphs (when requested)
• Readable font (often Times New Roman or Arial)
• Dialogue formatting that matches standard submission expectations
• A clean title page with your story title, name, and contact info (only if they ask for it)

And please don’t use fancy fonts, decorative headers, or clip art. It feels fun, but it reads like you didn’t follow directions. Editors want to focus on the story, not your design choices.

If possible, get feedback from a beta reader or critique partner. A beta reader (or a trusted friend who reads carefully) can spot what you miss—confusing timelines, unclear motivations, or an ending that doesn’t land.

Also, competition is real. Recent market analyses project fiction books could reach $11.38 billion by the end of 2025 (see recent market analyses). More readers and more writers means submissions can be tougher, so preparation isn’t optional—it’s your edge.

Step 4: Submit Your Short Story to Selected Markets

Okay, you’ve got a finished, formatted story and you’ve actually read the guidelines. Now comes the part where you hit “submit” and hope your effort shows.

Most markets want submissions through their preferred platform or submission form. A lot of them use Submittable, while others have forms on their own site.

I recommend setting up accounts ahead of time on platforms you’ll use often (Submittable, Submission Grinder, etc.). It’s such a small thing, but it prevents that last-minute scramble where you’re copying the same bio and contact info for the fifth time.

Include a short, professional cover letter. Keep it simple: who you are, what you’re submitting, a one-sentence description of the story, and (if you have them) relevant publication credits. Then a quick thank-you. That’s it.

Also, double-check the version you’re sending. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people (or done it myself!) submit the wrong file—like the draft with comments still inside, or a different story entirely. It’s embarrassing, and it wastes time.

After you hit submit, take a breath. Seriously. You did the work. Now you wait.

Step 5: Keep Track of Your Submissions and Deadlines

This is where writers either get organized… or lose months. Tracking isn’t glamorous, but it prevents duplicate submissions and missed follow-ups.

My go-to setup is a spreadsheet with columns like:

• Market name
• Story title
• Date submitted
• Expected response window (if listed)
• Status (submitted, waiting, rejected, accepted)
• Notes (anything you learned from the process)

You can also use tools like Trello boards or dedicated submission trackers (some writers like Submission Grinder for this). The key is that you can answer one question quickly: “Where did I send this, and when should I follow up?”

Set reminders too. If a market says “response within X weeks,” I usually follow up around a week after that window—never before. And if they explicitly say not to follow up, then don’t. Respect their process.

Tracking also helps you revise strategically. If you see the same type of rejection repeatedly, you’ll know what to adjust next time.

Step 6: Learn from Rejections and Keep Submitting

Here’s the truth: even strong writers get rejected. A lot. If you’re waiting for rejection to stop feeling personal, you might be waiting forever.

What I do instead is treat rejections like data. If you get personalized feedback, take it seriously. Ask yourself: is it a craft issue I can fix quickly (pacing, clarity, character motivation)? Or is it more about fit—theme, tone, or what the editor already has in their lineup?

If you can, bring in other readers. Joining a critique group or working with beta readers can help you spot patterns. You’ll catch blind spots faster when you’re not the only person reading your work. (If you want to learn the process, this guide on beta reader roles is a solid starting point.)

And please don’t assume rejection equals “your writing isn’t good.” Often it’s simpler: the market isn’t the right match, or the editor isn’t looking for that specific vibe right now.

Then revise what needs revising and submit again. Persistence isn’t just motivational—it’s practical. The more doors you knock on, the more likely you’ll find the right fit.

Step 7: Discover Niche and Genre-Specific Short Story Markets

If you only submit to big general-interest magazines, you’re making it harder than it needs to be. In my experience, niche markets can be a better match because the editors are actively looking for what you write.

Search for genre-specific journals and anthologies—especially those that clearly name their themes. For example: horror, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction with a specific focus, and themed digital magazines.

If you’re trying to sharpen your story to fit a subgenre, it helps to use targeted writing resources. You might find inspiration with horror story plot guides or plot tools designed for dystopian or speculative setups.

That “targeted approach” does two things: it helps you choose markets you actually match, and it helps editors see your story as a natural fit—because it is.

Plus, niche markets often have passionate readers. Even if the audience is smaller, it can be more engaged. I’ll take a smaller group of enthusiastic readers over a random audience that doesn’t quite get what I’m going for.

Step 8: Stay Updated on Upcoming Short Story Opportunities

Short story opportunities move fast. One day a call is open, and a week later it’s closed and the theme is already being finalized.

To keep up, sign up for newsletters and RSS feeds from magazines and publishers you like. If you use databases, keep an eye out for new listings in your genres—Duotrope and Submission Grinder are popular for a reason.

Then follow publishers on social media. Editors sometimes post “last chance” reminders, or they announce themed submissions on platforms like Twitter or Instagram. It’s not guaranteed, but when it happens, it’s a huge advantage.

Finally, attend events and workshops—virtual or in-person. I’ve heard about calls through panels and community meetups that never showed up in my usual market searches. Networking still works. Shocking, right?

Staying informed helps you submit when you’re aligned with what editors are actively seeking, not what they sought months ago.

Step 9: Join Writing Communities for Market Tips and Advice

You don’t have to do all of this alone. Joining writing communities makes the whole process less stressful—and more effective.

Places like Facebook groups, Reddit’s r/Writing, Discord communities, and local or online workshops can be gold. People share open calls, market experiences, and sometimes even specific editor preferences they’ve noticed over time.

It also helps emotionally. When you’re in a group, rejection doesn’t feel like you’re the only person failing. You’ll hear other writers getting “no” messages too, and you’ll also hear when someone finally gets that “YES.”

And if you’re looking for new ideas to keep writing while you submit, writers often share prompts and genre trends. Here’s an example of realistic fiction writing prompts you can use to keep momentum between submissions.

Bottom line: community helps you keep going, learn faster, and stay connected to opportunities you might otherwise miss.

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