Path to Publication

Submission Checklist

• Always check the publication's submission guidelines.

• Be certain that you're using the correct format for your submission. As well, the manuscript's printed text should be dark enough to be easily legible without eye strain.

• Check and recheck that you're including an S.A.S.E. when specified in the publications guidelines. Some publications permit an e-mail address instead. When submitting multiple manuscripts, include an S.A.S.E. for each manuscript unless an e-mail reply is permitted.

• Don't send simultaneous submissions unless the publication permits such and you've stated so in your cover letter to each publication receiving the same manuscript.

• Make sure you're sending your submission during a reading period.

• Be sure you're sending the right story to the right publication. Address the submission to the correct editor, as well.

Flash Fiction

Flash Fiction is generally considered a complete story in less than 1,000 words. Three hundred words is a popular length.

Here are some sites that explain Flash Fiction:

http://www.flashfictiononline.com/

http://www.writers-block-help.com/flash-fiction-examples.html

http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/improve-my-writing/flash-fiction-faqs

http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/flash.shtml 

http://short.fictionfactor.com/articles/flashfiction.html

http://www.squidoo.com/writingmicrofiction

Grammer Essentials #1

Plague Words/Phrases

Here is another set of words and/or phrases that can cause problems with your writing.

As to whether. Use whether.

Basically, essentially, totally. Try the sentence without them.

Equally as. Use equally important or as important as, but not equally as important.

Got. Try to avoid it. I have got to must begin working on it now. I have got three pairs of jeans.

In order to. Use to.

Lots or lots of. Avoid these when you can use many or much. Lots of something is considered plural. Also, a lot of requires three words not alot of.

Orientate. New employees become oriented, not orientated.

Plus. This word should not be used as a conjunction. Use and instead.

Point in time. Use at this time or at this point or now.

So as to. A simple to will do.

 "What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
      Oliver Wendall Holmes