I’ve been a firearms historian and writer for a number of years and have been looking to branch out in my writing. I’ve tried getting my non-fiction work published in the US but have been politely rebuffed by every magazine I’ve contacted- usually with a polite “Sorry, but we’re not interested in foreign guns” response- so I’ve written a number of short fiction stories as a way of passing the time and because I like writing.
Anyway, they’re not doing a lot of good sitting on my USB key, so I started wondering: Where could I get them published?
I’m thinking of something “reputable”, or at least not “University-based E-Zine” type stuff, but I’ve really got no idea where to start looking. Also, if possible, I’d prefer to get some money out it, but I realise that’s probably being a bit optimistic.
It’s still vanity publishing but you get exposure. The other way into it, that I have found out, is to target your audience and flood the publishers of anthologies, and eventually they’ll take one on.
I’ve had great success with redbubble and lulu. I have my 2nd paid for by a publisher book out in march and my second “yay! this is just for fun book!” out in january.
edit clearly didn’t answer the question… sorry for the hijack *
Buy yourself the most recent Writer’s Market (2009 I think). It’s packed with tons of legitimate places you can submit your writing - magazines, literary journals, ect. It lists their submission guidelines, deadlines, and what they pay (if at all). Really, it’s got everything from Playboy to small college literary journals.
They’re probably best categorised as “Adventure Stories”, in the “Boy’s Own” vein, but not quite. Unhelpful, I know, but the best I can come up with at this late hour…
You can also try finding it at a large library or a college library. My college was a medium-sized state school and we had them (albeit, we have a very big journalism department).
You might prefer than over purchasing the guides - I think they’re sort of expensive.
Also, and I’m sure you’ve heard this before but it bears repeating: PERSISTENCE. Keep submitting stuff and don’t give up, despite all the criticism and rejections (and there will be plenty). If a publisher or agent says no to one story, send them another.
And finally, write a damn good cover letter. Keep it short but make it stand out somehow. It can make a big difference.
www.duotrope.com is an online guide to places you can submit short fiction to. (There’s another one, too, but I can’t think of it off the top of my head).
That’s exactly the sort of thing I’m looking for! Thanks!
I have to say I’m not sure how “complete” their listing is; they don’t mention a couple of reasonably well-known outlets that I’ve pitched stories to. If you could remember the other site you were thinking of that would be very helpful…
