What are some top places for submitting short stories if you want a quick response?

Sure. 'McSweeney's' is a well - respected place for short - story submissions. It has a unique aesthetic and often features experimental and creative short stories. Then there's 'The Paris Review', which has a long - standing reputation for publishing great literature, including short stories. Also, 'One Story' is an interesting option as they publish just one short story per issue, so it's very selective.

One great place is 'The Dark Magazine'. They have a reputation for publishing high - quality horror short stories. Another is 'Nightmare Magazine'. These magazines have a wide readership within the horror community. Online platforms like Medium also have horror - focused publications where you can submit your stories.

If you're a beginner in short speculative fiction writing, 'Beneath Ceaseless Skies' is worth looking into. They publish a lot of speculative work and are known to give new writers a chance. 'Escape Pod' is another option. It's a podcast that features short speculative fiction and accepts submissions. This can be a great way to get your work out there and reach a different audience. Also, keep an eye on writing contests specifically for speculative fiction. Many of them offer publication opportunities for the winning entries and can be a good entry point for new writers.

One great place is 'The New Yorker'. They are well - known for publishing high - quality short stories. Another is 'Clarkesworld', which is a popular science fiction and fantasy short - story market. 'Strange Horizons' is also a good option, especially for speculative fiction.

I'd recommend 'Granta'. It's known for featuring diverse and compelling short stories from a range of authors. They have a discerning editorial team that looks for unique voices and engaging narratives.

Well, think of a story where a person shouts 'Is anyone there?' in an old, empty house. Then there is a creaking sound as a response. Or like in a play, an actor calls 'What is the meaning of this?' and another actor replies with a line that reveals the plot twist. There's also the simple one where a neighbor calls 'Can I borrow some sugar?' and the other neighbor says 'Sure, come on over.'

Typically, the requirements can vary. Most places will ask for proper formatting, usually in a standard font like Times New Roman and a specific font size, say 12 - point. Word count limits are also common. For example, some may only accept stories between 1,000 and 5,000 words. You also need to ensure your story is original and not plagiarized. And a good cover letter or short description about your story can be helpful in the submission process.

First, make sure your short story is in the correct format, usually in a standard document type like PDF or Word. Then, research the publication or platform you want to submit to. Each may have specific guidelines regarding length, theme, and style. Next, write a brief cover letter introducing yourself and your story. Finally, follow their submission process, which could be an online form or an email submission.

The pay rate for submitting short stories can vary widely. It depends on many factors like the publisher, the genre, and the quality of your work.

There are many. For example, 'The Most Dangerous Game' is a thrilling quick short story. A hunter becomes the hunted on an island. It's full of suspense. Also, 'Harrison Bergeron' is a thought - provoking short story that shows a dystopian society where everyone is made equal in the most extreme and absurd ways.