Call for submissions short fiction: What are the general guidelines for submitting short fiction?

Typically, they'll want your story to be in a standard format. That usually means double - spaced, in a common font like Times New Roman, and with one - inch margins. Word count is important too. Most short story submissions have a maximum limit, often ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 words, though it can vary. Also, you'll need to include a cover letter briefly introducing yourself and your story.

Create a really unique and memorable character. Readers often connect with interesting characters first. For example, give your character an unusual quirk or backstory.

The guidelines typically include having original and engaging science fiction stories. They may also require proper formatting, like a specific font and margin settings. Usually, they look for well - developed characters and unique plotlines.

Well, first of all, the Journal of Short Fiction might require that your work be original and not previously published. They may ask for a cover letter introducing yourself and your work briefly. As for the actual manuscript, it should be clean and free of major grammar and spelling errors. The length should be within the range they specify, which could be anywhere from a few hundred words to a certain number of pages, say, 10 - 20 pages. They might also have a particular way of citing references if your short story has any.

In science fiction short fiction submissions, the theme of post - apocalypse is quite common. This can be due to nuclear war, a pandemic, or some other global catastrophe. It shows how humans might adapt or struggle to survive in a broken world. Another is the exploration of alternate realities. Writers use this to imagine different versions of our world or different laws of physics. And of course, the theme of first contact with alien species is always popular, as it involves so many aspects like communication, cultural differences, and potential conflict.

One of the main requirements is likely to be the proper formatting. This might include a standard font like Times New Roman, a specific font size (e.g., 12pt), and proper margins. Also, they may have a word limit for short fiction, so make sure your story fits within that. They'll probably expect your work to be original and not previously published elsewhere. Your submission should also be in a file format they can easily access, such as.pdf or.doc.

It varies from magazine to magazine. Generally, they will ask for a specific format, like double - spaced text in a standard font. For example, 'The New Yorker' might require that your short fiction is well - written, with a unique voice and engaging plot. They also usually have word - limit requirements, which could be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand words.

The formatting matters. Usually, it should be in a standard manuscript format, with double - spaced lines, a legible font like Times New Roman, and proper margins. In terms of content, it should be original and not plagiarized. Editors often look for unique ideas in science fiction submissions. For example, if it's a story about time travel, it should offer a fresh perspective on the concept rather than repeating the same old tropes.

Use an unexpected twist. For example, if your story seems to be about a normal day at work but then it turns out everyone is part of a secret experiment. It'll surprise the readers.

Common requirements include proper formatting. Usually, a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial in a reasonable size, say 12pt. The word count is also important. It could be a minimum or maximum limit. For example, some may only accept stories between 1000 - 5000 words. Also, the story should be original and not plagiarized.