What are the common mistakes to avoid when submitting fantasy short stories?

One common mistake is not following the submission guidelines. Different platforms have different requirements for things like font, margin, and file type. Another is sending a story that's not properly edited. Spelling and grammar mistakes can put off editors right away. Also, avoid clichéd horror tropes without adding a unique twist. For example, the overused 'haunted house' concept needs something new to make it interesting again.

Well, a big mistake is ignoring the target audience of the place you're submitting to. If it's a family - friendly magazine and your dark story is too extreme, that's no good. Also, don't over - write. Keep your story concise and to the point. And never submit without reading and re - reading your story for clarity and flow.

A major mistake is sending a rough draft instead of a polished piece. Editors expect a high - quality story. Not researching the target market is also bad. If you send a horror story to a romance - focused publication, it won't work. And don't forget about the cover letter. A poorly written or missing cover letter can give a negative impression. Make it concise and engaging.

One common mistake is not following the submission guidelines. If they ask for a certain word count limit, don't exceed it. Another is having a weak opening. Your story needs to grab the reader's attention right away in the fantasy horror genre. Also, avoid over - explaining things. Let the mystery and horror build on its own.

When submitting a fiction short story, don't forget to proofread thoroughly. A lot of people make the mistake of overlooking typos and grammar errors. Also, don't be too pushy in your cover letter. Keep it simple and professional. And never submit a story that has not been properly formatted according to the requirements of the recipient.

One common mistake is not following the submission guidelines properly. For example, if the guidelines state a specific word limit and you exceed it, your submission may be rejected immediately. Another mistake is poor grammar and spelling. It gives the impression of a lack of professionalism. Also, not tailoring the story to the target audience or the theme of the submission call can be a problem.

When submitting a science fiction short story, avoid these mistakes. First, don't overlook the details in the submission guidelines. Every little thing matters, from the file name to the format of the manuscript. Second, don't make your story overly complex in the beginning without setting up the context. Readers need to be able to understand what's going on quickly. And third, avoid submitting a story that doesn't fit the theme or style of the publication you're targeting. It's important to do your research on what they typically publish.

One common mistake is not following the submission guidelines precisely. Publishers and agents have specific requirements for formatting, word count, etc., and not adhering to them can get your submission rejected right away. Another mistake is having a weak query letter. It should be engaging and clearly convey what your novel is about.

One common mistake is not following the submission guidelines precisely. Publishers and agents often have specific requirements regarding formatting, word count, and what to include in the query letter. Another mistake is submitting a rough or unedited manuscript. It should be as polished as possible.

Avoid sending your story without proper proofreading. Spelling and grammar mistakes can be a big turn - off. Also, don't submit to a publisher without researching what they publish. You don't want to send a science - fiction story to a publisher that only focuses on romance. And don't forget to keep a copy of your story. You never know what might happen during the submission process.