FAQ

Revised 2023


"Truth or Dare" by Yours Truly
Do my submissions need to be 800 words exactly? How much leeway is there? 

The editors routinely trim the stories. Some authors prefer to do their own trimming and send stories that are 20 or more words shorter. Personally, I strive for 795-800. If I finish a story and it's short, I take advantage of that and finesse my description or milk a scene for more emotion.

How many editors does my story have to impress?

Maggie Dillard and Alexandra Pollock read all stories first. Carol Brooks has the final say.

Do I need to include my own taglines when I submit? 

No. 

I received a notification that my story was received the first time I submitted, but not on any subsequent stories. Does that mean my story got lost?

No. The email system only auto-responds on the first submission.

I know that they don't send out rejections anymore, but how long should I wait before assuming my story didn't cut it?

Four months.

If they buy my story, what type of editing will they do?

Click here to see exactly what they did to Marcie McEachern's story.

Can I submit more than one story at a time?

Yes, but send them in separate emails.

What type of file should I send?

A Word doc which includes your contact information (Name, address, phone, email.)

I forgot to include my contact information in the story. What should I do?

Don't worry. If your story is selected, they will use the email address you used to submit the story to contact you.

Should I include a cover letter?

I always do. If you'd like to know exactly what I include in the cover letters, click here to check out my Basics class.

When should I submit my <insert holiday here> themed story?
Join the WW Writers Facebook group. The editors post their calls for holiday submissions there. 

Where else can I submit my short fiction?
Here's a link to the Womagwriter blog which has some fantastic information on guidelines for other publications.