10 Tips for Writing Short Stories That Sell

Writing short stories that captivate readers and sell well is a skill that requires creativity, discipline, and an understanding of the market. Whether you're an aspiring writer or an experienced author looking to make a mark in the publishing world, mastering the craft of writing short stories that are both compelling and commercially viable is essential. In this article, we'll explore ten practical tips that can help you write short stories that not only grab attention but also have the potential to sell to literary magazines, anthologies, or even online platforms.

Know Your Audience

Before you begin writing, it's crucial to understand who you are writing for. Different markets have different expectations and tastes. Literary magazines, for example, may favor experimental prose or deep thematic explorations, while genre publications, such as those focused on science fiction, fantasy, or horror, may prioritize fast-paced action and imaginative world-building.

Take some time to research the types of publications or platforms where you want to submit your short story. Read previous issues of magazines, study popular online writing platforms, and familiarize yourself with the tone, themes, and narrative structures that resonate with their readers. By knowing your audience, you can tailor your story to meet their expectations, increasing the likelihood of acceptance and success.

Start with a Strong Hook

The opening sentence or paragraph of your short story is your first opportunity to capture the reader's attention. In a competitive market where editors and readers have limited time, it's essential to start strong. The beginning should immediately engage the reader, create intrigue, or establish the tone of the story.

A strong hook can take many forms, from a shocking revelation or an unexpected twist to a vivid description that draws the reader into the world of the story. Whatever technique you choose, ensure that it sets the stage for the narrative and gives the reader a reason to continue.

Example:

"The last thing Jane expected to find in her mailbox was a letter from her deceased father."

This hook immediately creates curiosity and raises questions---why is Jane receiving a letter from someone who's passed away? What will happen next?

Craft Compelling Characters

One of the keys to a successful short story is memorable characters. Whether your story is plot-driven or character-driven, the people at the heart of your narrative need to be interesting and well-developed. Readers should be able to relate to, empathize with, or at least be intrigued by your characters, even if they are vastly different from themselves.

When crafting characters, focus on giving them depth. Think about their motivations, desires, fears, and flaws. In short stories, where space is limited, you may not have the luxury of a lengthy character arc, but you can still convey their essence through actions, dialogue, and key moments of introspection.

Tip:

Incorporate a character's inner conflict alongside the external plot. This duality often makes characters more complex and relatable.

Focus on One Central Conflict

Because short stories are, well, short, they often benefit from a focused narrative. Rather than attempting to cover multiple plotlines or sprawling themes, concentrate on a single central conflict. Whether it's a character facing a moral dilemma, an emotional struggle, or an external obstacle, keeping the focus tight allows the story to maintain momentum and impact.

A simple, clear conflict also makes it easier for readers to engage with the narrative. By concentrating on one central issue, you can explore it in greater depth, making the resolution all the more satisfying.

Example:

A story about a young woman struggling to decide whether to leave her controlling partner or stay for the sake of her children.

Create Tension and Conflict Throughout the Story

Conflict drives a story forward, so it's important to maintain tension from start to finish. This doesn't mean every moment needs to be filled with action or drama, but there should always be some form of conflict or unresolved issue that keeps the reader invested in the story.

Tension can come in many forms---external conflict (e.g., man vs. man or man vs. nature) or internal conflict (e.g., man vs. self). In short stories, where the plot is condensed, it's especially important to sustain that tension until the very end. The best short stories often build a slow burn of suspense, leading to a climactic moment or revelation that changes everything.

Write a Satisfying Ending

A well-crafted ending is essential for any short story. Since short stories don't have the space for a drawn-out conclusion, your ending should feel earned, whether it's a twist, a resolution, or a moment of revelation. The key is that the ending should resonate with the reader and feel like a natural outcome of the narrative.

Twists can be particularly effective in short stories, as they leave a lasting impact on the reader. However, even if you're not writing a story with a twist, the ending should still feel complete and true to the tone and themes you've established.

Tip:

Avoid rushed or overly ambiguous endings that leave readers feeling unsatisfied. While some stories may end on an open note, make sure it's a purposeful choice rather than a lack of resolution.

Edit Ruthlessly

Editing is a crucial step in the writing process, especially for short stories. Because of their brevity, every word counts, and excess can easily detract from the story's impact. During the editing phase, be prepared to cut unnecessary scenes, dialogue, or descriptions that don't serve the central narrative or theme.

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work with fresh eyes. Are there any areas where the pacing slows down? Are there sentences that don't contribute to the character's development or the overall conflict? Trim the fat, so to speak, to ensure that every element of the story is working toward the goal of captivating the reader.

Tip:

Read your story aloud during the editing process. This can help you identify awkward phrasing or areas where the flow is off.

Experiment with Structure and Style

One of the great things about short stories is that they offer freedom to experiment with different narrative structures, points of view, and writing styles. Don't be afraid to take risks in your storytelling. Whether it's playing with non-linear timelines, writing from an unconventional perspective, or experimenting with stream-of-consciousness, these stylistic choices can make your short story stand out in a crowded market.

However, remember that experimentation should always serve the story, not overshadow it. Don't sacrifice clarity or the emotional core of your narrative just for the sake of being experimental.

Target the Right Market

Once your short story is polished and ready to go, it's time to think about where to submit it. Identifying the right markets for your work is an essential step in getting your story published. Each literary magazine, online platform, or anthology has its own focus and audience, so aligning your story with the right market can increase your chances of acceptance.

Make use of submission platforms like Submittable, where you can browse a wide range of publications actively seeking short stories. Pay attention to submission guidelines, including word count limits, themes, and formatting requirements, to ensure your story is considered.

Tip:

Before submitting, read a few pieces from the publication you're interested in. This will give you a better sense of their tone, style, and themes, helping you tailor your submission accordingly.

Keep Writing and Submitting

Finally, the most important tip for writing short stories that sell is to keep writing and submitting. Rejection is a natural part of the process, and even seasoned authors face it regularly. Don't get discouraged by rejections---use them as learning experiences. Analyze any feedback you receive, revise your stories, and continue submitting to different markets.

The more you write, the better you'll get at honing your craft, and the more chances you'll have to find the right audience for your work.

Conclusion

Writing short stories that sell requires a blend of creativity, discipline, and an understanding of the market. By focusing on crafting strong characters, maintaining tension, experimenting with structure, and targeting the right markets, you can increase your chances of success. The tips outlined here are just a starting point, but remember that writing is a process that takes time and perseverance. Keep writing, refining your skills, and submitting your work---you never know which story might be the one to catch the attention of editors and readers alike.

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