About story submissions

Hi all:

Heres a question I hope someone will have the answer to. I know the submission guidelines say 20-30 pages of ms, and not to go over. They also say to stick to the guidelines. So here goes.

If I have one 17 page short story, that is by far my best yet, and nothing else that is 13 pages or less, what do I do? Just send the 17 page short and nothing else? Part of a novel is not an option, because I haven't begun writing novels yet. That's outside the 20-30 page guideline and I don't want to screw up here.

Thanks to anyone who tries helping me. It's much appreciated, and it's all that's holding me back from submitting my application.

Sincerely,

Clint

‹ Deadline is almost here! Greetings Fellow Applicants ›

Comments

Submitted by Frank_Ard on February 23, 2010 - 9:56pm.

Hey Clint,

 

Would it be possible for you to send your 17 page complete story along with, say, 10 pages of another story with a page or two synopsis of the ending?  Or perhaps you could cut down a second story to 13 pages or under for application purposes?  I think (but I could be wrong) that it's necessary to have at least 20 pages. 

 

I hope this helps.  Best of luck applying! 

Submitted by neile on February 23, 2010 - 10:06pm.

 

If the 17-page story is your best so far and you don't have anything 13 pages or less, that's all you need to send. Our readers are not going to penalize anyone for sending fewer pages. 

We just definitely don't want anything over 30 pages, nor can they get a good look at your skills with only a 10-page story. I would say that 17 pages is close enough to 20 pages to be in the realm where they can get a good idea of where you are. 

writer; workshop administrator
http:www.sff.net/people/neile

Submitted by czellingsworth on February 23, 2010 - 11:01pm.

Woot!

Thanks a ton for all the help. Application submitted. Now I cross my fingers and wait.

Clint-