How much time should I put into a short story?

It depends on your goals. If you aim for a masterpiece, you might need to invest a lot of time and energy. But if it's just for fun, a moderate effort could do.

Well, it can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a week or more. If you already have a clear idea in your head and you're just putting it down on paper, it could be relatively quick, say two or three hours. But often, writing a short story involves a lot of thinking time. You might spend time thinking about the theme, the setting, and the relationships between characters. Then there's the actual writing process, followed by editing to make it better. So, it could easily take a week if you're doing it properly and not rushing through it.

It really varies. For a very simple short story of a few hundred words, if you're experienced and have a clear idea, it could take an hour or two. You just jot down the basic plot, develop the characters briefly, and write in a straightforward style.

It really varies. A short story can cover a short period, like a few hours or a day, or it could stretch over a week or so.

Yes, you usually do. It helps to clearly indicate that it's a specific short story.

It really depends on a few factors. The quality of your writing, the length of the story, and the intended audience can all play a role. You might start at around $5 if it's a simple and short story, but it could go up to $50 or more for a really well-crafted and longer one.

Generally, it's a good idea to put quotations around a short story. It helps to clearly identify it and makes it stand out. However, some styles might have different conventions, so it's always best to check the specific requirements of the format you're using.

Honestly, there's no fixed amount. It could be as low as $5 if it's your first attempt and you're just looking to get it out there. But if it's really polished and has a strong appeal, you could aim for $30 or even higher. Think about who your target readers are and what they might be willing to pay.

The amount of dialogue in a short story varies. It could be minimal if the focus is on description and internal thoughts. Or, if it's character-driven, there might be more. It all comes down to serving the story's purpose.

It can vary a lot. Sometimes, short stories are available for free on some platforms. But if you're buying from a professional author or a well-known publication, it could cost anywhere from a few dollars to around ten dollars.