You'd be surprised

I've often been asked how hard it is to get published. After a few pieces of short fiction and Lord only knows how much non-fiction (well over 100 articles at this point), some folks think I have some sort of magical ingredient.

Well, I don't.

Getting short fiction and non-fiction published are two different beasties. In this post, I'll discuss fiction. Later this week, I'll discuss non-ficiton.

In the world of mystery fiction, options are somewhat limited, but growing.

On the print side, there are several magazines -- Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazines, Crime Spree, The Strand, Crimewave (an English magazine), and maybe a couple others lurking somewhere. Fortunately, there are several "web" magazines publishing mystery fiction -- and some quite good ficiton at that. Mysterical-e, Shred of Evidence, FUTURES, Thrilling Detective, and a few others. Some stories from the web magazines have found publication in "Best Of" anthologies that come out once a year.

Each magazine is a little different. Some are much more open to violence and foul language while others want a cleaner story. Preferences on story lengths vary greatly also.

Each magazine, whether it is online or print, has what it calls "writer's guidelines" and you can find these on their web sites. I encourage anyone considering submitting to one to read the guidelines. In non-fiction, the effectiveness of guidelines vary -- some are woefully out of date, however the mystery pubs are pretty accurate.

It is very important to submit the right kind of story to the right magazine. Therefore, the most important thing you can do is read a couple of issues of the publication you are interested in submitting to. Guidelines help, but actually sitting down, reading the kind of stories they publish will give you the greatest level of insight.

It is kind of funny, but here's the big secret. Be professional. There are standard manuscript guidelines -- you can research them online or drop me and e-mail and I'll fill you in. Use high quality paper, good ink, PROOFREAD and don't rely on spell check.

I'm also a big believer in enclosing a short cover letter addressed to the editor by name. Just a couple of paragraphs -- and cite some sort of relevant experience. If you've published a couple of pieces of ficiton, say so. If your story is about a judo fighter, and you are a black belt in judo, say so! Anything relevant like that can give you an air of authority.

It is amazing, but when it comes down to an editor have to make a choice between someone who is professional versus someone who may be more creative but is unprofessional, the editor is going with the pro every time.

Submitting fiction is a tough world. I sent out probably 50+ short stories (in a variety of genres) and garnered at least 150 rejections before I "sold" my first piece of fiction.

However, the first time you see that story title, followed by "by" and then your name, it is all worth it.