What should be included in your short story submission bio?

Most often, the author bio is positioned at the bottom of the submission. It allows the focus to be on the novel first and then provides additional information about the author.

A character bio template for a novel should include basic information like the character's name, age, and physical appearance. For example, the name gives the character an identity. Age can influence their behavior and life experiences. Physical appearance can be important for readers to visualize the character.

You should include a brief introduction of your story, your name and contact details, and a summary of the plot.

The most important element is a brief summary of the story. Just a few sentences to give an idea, like 'My story features a telepathic alien who befriends a human on a desolate planet.' Also, mention your writing credentials, even if it's just that you're an avid science fiction reader and writer. And a touch of your inspiration, such as 'I was inspired by recent space exploration news.'

First off, include a catchy opening that grabs the editor's attention. Then, summarize the main plot and key characters of your fiction. Mention what makes your story unique and marketable. Don't forget to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to be published.

The bio might focus on their background, writing journey, and any significant events or influences that shaped their writing. Maybe include details about how the novel came to be published after their death.

In most cases, you'll find instructions on where to include the word count in the submission guidelines provided by the entity you're submitting your novel to. It could be as simple as stating it at the top of the first page or in a dedicated section of the submission form.

Most commonly, short story submissions are in a Word document (.docx) or a PDF format.

Well, the length of a short story submission can differ. Usually, it's around 2,000 to 5,000 words. However, some publishers might accept shorter ones, say 1,500 words, or longer ones up to 10,000 words, depending on their specific guidelines.

The main elements to include are the characters, the setting, the plot, and the resolution. For instance, in a story about a job interview, the characters are you and the interviewers. The setting is the office where the interview takes place. The plot is what happens during the interview, like the questions asked and your responses. And the resolution could be whether you got the job or not.