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1. Double check your spelling. Many times a good story is ruined by the
author's failure to use correct spelling. For example, know the difference between
"there", "their" and "they're".
2. Double check your grammar. Like spelling, grammar problems ruin many stories. Read "The Elements of Style" by Strunk. Then put it into practice. 3. Grab the reader within the first page. Far too many stories start out with the main character's life history. This is boring. If you really need to convey this material, work it into the natural flow of the story. 4. Keep on grabbing the reader. Sometimes a story starts out great then peters out midway through. If your story can't sustain a reader's interest, then perhaps it still needs some work. Get other people to proof read your stories. 5. Use proper manuscript format. Whether you are submitting via paper or email,you must follow the standard manuscript format. See the web page http://www.speculations.com/format.htm for an excellent example, or google a search on "manuscript format" for many other helpful articles. Note that this applies regardless of whether you submit via snail mail or via email. Your RTF file should look like a real manuscript. 6. Show, don't tell. The most common mistake beginning writers make is writing in a passive voice where the narrator of the story is telling you everything, rather than allowing character actions and dialog to convey the story. 7. Avoid cliches. Cliches are everywhere and they are hard to avoid. Particularly try to avoid using cliched phrases that always seem to appear in movies and on TV. Hollywood is built on cliches. Also avoid cliched ideas, for example, a prisoner who turns out to be a werewolf. 8. Trim the fat. Write your story, revise, then let it sit for a week or more. Now go back to it and cut at least 10-20% of the words. You'll be surprised at how much tighter the story seems. 9. Always include a SASE or return email address. Printed submissions must include a SASE for the editor's response. Emailed submissions must include a current email address for the response. 10. Read and understand the submission guidelines. If an editor tells you in his guidelines that he doesn't want vampire stories, don't send him one. If you need help understanding something, ask. It's far better to first query the editor than to get a flat out rejection. Disclaimer: Following these tips does not guarantee an acceptance, but not following them guarantees a rejection.
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