So You Want to Be the Next Hemingway (But for the Times, Not That Bar Bill)? How to Submit a Short Story to the New York Times (and Not Totally Embarrass Yourself)
Let's face it, getting your short story published in the New York Times is the literary equivalent of winning a gold medal in your pyjamas. It's prestigious, impressive, and guaranteed to make your grandma shed a tear (or two, if you write about that time you accidentally dyed her poodle purple). But before you start practicing your acceptance speech in the mirror, there are a few things you should know about submitting to the Big Apple of the writing world.
First Things First: The New York Times Doesn't Publish Just Any Short Stories
Think of the Times as a fancy restaurant. They only serve the crème de la crème, the caviar of fiction, the short stories that would make even Ernest Hemingway raise an eyebrow and say, "Damn, that's good." So, before you hit submit, make sure your story is:
- Polished to a Showroom Shine: Grammar on point? Plot tighter than Fort Knox? Editing done by a team of grammar nazis and a well-caffeinated owl? Yes, yes, and yes.
- A Perfect Fit: The Times has different sections, and they all have their own preferences. Do your research! Targeting the sports section with your heart-wrenching tale of a lovelorn ballerina might not be the best strategy.
Here's the not-so-secret secret: Your best bet for short fiction is the Modern Love column. They're all about true, personal stories about love, loss, and those hilarious dating disasters that make you want to crawl under a rock.
Okay, My Story's a Masterpiece. How Do I Submit It?
Now we're talking! Here's where the rubber meets the road (or the keyboard meets the submission form):
- Read the Fine Print: Head over to the Modern Love https://www.nytimes.com/column/modern-love page and absorb their submission guidelines like a sponge.
- Keep it Tight: They have a word limit (around 1,500-1,700 words), so be concise and pack a punch.
- Formatting is Your Friend: Make sure your manuscript is formatted according to their specifications. Nobody likes a messy submission!
Pro Tip: Don't just hit submit and pray. Craft a captivating email introduction that highlights your story's unique voice and why it's perfect for Modern Love.
But Wait, There's More!
- Patience is a Virtue (Especially When Dealing with Editors): The New York Times gets a lot of submissions. Getting a response might take a while, so try to channel your inner zen master.
- Rejection is Just a Detour, Not a Dead End: If you don't hear back, don't despair! It just means your story wasn't the right fit for this particular publication. There are plenty of other great places to submit your work.
Remember: Getting published is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep writing, keep honing your craft, and one day, you might just see your name in the hallowed halls of the New York Times.
FAQ: Submission Submission!
How to Format My Manuscript?
Check the Modern Love submission guidelines for specific formatting details.
How Long Should My Story Be?
Aim for 1,500-1,700 words.
Can I Submit My Story Somewhere Else While Waiting to Hear Back?
Absolutely! Simultaneous submissions are generally okay, but always double-check the guidelines.
What if My Story Isn't a Perfect Fit for Modern Love?
Don't fret! Research other publications that publish short fiction and find the right home for your masterpiece.
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