Questions for a short story magazine editor

[Brian G Turner]

Planning to run an interview with the editor-in-chief of one of the major SFF mags.

Question is - what would the short story writers like to see me ask, and what parts of the editing/publishing side would you like me to help illuminate?

 

[GOLLUM]

OK Brian, let me try to ask something here...

Q1. Is there an optimum length to a short story or in other words how long does something have to be to be considered a novella vs. short story? is there some rule of thumb involved here?
Q2. Assuming that as a well known magazine you receive a lot of short story submissions do you necessarily read the entire story or is it a case of the first paragraph or two needing to leap out at you and take hold of your interest before you decide to delve deeper or otherwise resign that submission to the "circular file".
Q3. How key is the use of good grammar and punctation in determining the sucess or at least longevity in the selection process of a short story submission. Obviously it's important but how important in influencing a reviewer's decision?
Q4. As a followup to Q3 assuming the answer is in the affirmative would you encourage all aspring writers who are serious about their craft to seek out a good editor (where economically viable) to assist in the submission process?
Q5. Following on from those previous questions, what to you are let's say the three main key features you look for in a "succesful" short story submission?
Q6. Are there specific trends you are now noticing in terms of specific content and style in relation to new voices in the short story field and the field of speculative fiction in general?
Q7. Do you receive many what you would call truly "original" ideas in the field of speculative fiction or is it really a case of who's best at in a sense reinventing or refashioning the wheel in most cases?
Q8. To what extent would you say that writers and their stories have been affected since Septemebr 11? In other words have writers tended to take a more pessimistic or optimistic approach to writing and the stories they tell? i.e any kinds of trends you've noticed?
Q9. Realistically would you say it is now harder than ever for new writers to break into the field of speculative fiction or is the opposite the case?
Q10. What to you is the biggest mistake an aspiring writer can make in terms of their submission? OR To put it another way what's your main advice to anyone wishing to make a submission?

Hope these questions weren't too inane Brian...

Looking forward to you posting the transcript of the interview on Chronicles..

 

[Stargazer1976]

Answer to Question one

Flash fiction 1,000 words or less
Short story 1,001 - 7,500 words
Novelette 7,501 - 17,500 words
Novella 17,501 - 40,000 words
Novel 40,001 - 200,000
Epic 200,001
According to Both the Hugo and Nebula award definitions


Question 2

An editor has a first reader who only reads until they feel its not worth reading any further. If they feel its a good enough story to finish they then pass it on to the editor who will generally also read it all the way to the end. ( the editor for Scifi.com said her first reader only passes on about one story out of 25 for her to read and of those very few make the final cut. When established writers submit stories they go straight to the editor and these are generally the ones that make the final grade)

Question 3

Scifi's editor says its not really that important as long as the person shows some level of professionalism in their writing. ( that's what the editor is for, as she puts it )

Question 5

Since every editor is different I say its worth asking, but I can add that most mags say they want Characterization and many want more science and less Fantasy.

Question 10

The Scifi editor and a few other places have mentioned that not reading the submission guidelines and then following them as they are outlined is usually the biggest mistake. Pretty much any mag has them readily available for all who wish to submit stories.


I may add some of my own questions if I think of any I haven't already asked Scifi's editor. hope the interview goes well and look forward to reading it here.

 

[cyborg_cinema]

...what would the short story writers like to see me ask...?

Stephen King recommends Strunk and White's The Elements of Style. What books on writing might the editor recommend?

 

[dustinzgirl]

What does an editor look for in a manuscript, aside from professionalism? As in, what makes a good story a good story? Personally, I have read many stories that people say are good, but really make me just go....huh? LOL.

 

[GOLLUM]

Thanks for that insight Stargazer....

 

[Brian G Turner]

Good questions so far - I've also tagged some major book editors who agreed to be interviewed, so I'm going to push a lot of questions their way.

 

[kyektulu]

How many words/pages does there have to be for the story to be considered short?

 

[kyektulu]

Stargazer thanks for the info I have just looked at it now otherwise I wouldnt of posted the question above me...