Editors’ Take on Very Short Fiction Submissions

Especially when space is short:

Make every word pull its weight. (Sometimes the right noun can deliver both meaning and tone; the perfect verb may eliminate the need for an adverb.)

Don’t skimp on clarity. Every sentence must make sense and work together with the other sentences to make logical paragraphs.

Even though space is short, characters need:

• depth (no clichés, please)
• something to do (no angst-filled musings on the couch)
• something of consequence at stake (If you care about what happens, your readers will, too.)

A very short story can be an exciting challenge to write and a thrill to read.

Thanks GT- great advice.