So I last sent Magic Lessons off to Orson Scott Card’s IGMS even though I wasn’t expecting much. I was right and with this one I got a pretty standard form rejection. I feel like I’m moving backwards. I think the chief problem with the piece is that it’s a) too long for most publications and b) not a story that editors of fantasy/scifi are looking for and c) it’s an incredibly competitive market.
The story would fit well win the niche that mingles fantasy with romantic elements but I don’t see any professional publications for this sort of story out there. I don’t think the story is unreadable, and I have had some pretty good feedback on it. I’m sure I could get it accepted at a publication that pays a token fee or nothing at all – but the question is, do I really want to?
My other option is to put the story out myself – either for free or for a token fee (or both). Even free, it might be good advertising for my writing and maybe start attracting the type of readers I want.
Thirdly, I could file it away and never let it see the light of day. Hmm. I don’t think so.
What do you think? Should I continue to ship it around to professional publications, or should I put it out myself?
Tea & Magic is the personal blog of writer and working mother, PC Wheeler. Here you will find stories about life, articles on writing and book reviews from the perspective of a writer who struggles every day to put her vision into words. 
I’ve seen some people self publish on kindle for free and once they get enough sales start charging and been very successful. Maybe set yourself a target date or particular number of publishers and then if no luck go for it yourself?
I’ve seen a lot of people are starting to do that – and it makes a certain amount of sense – but most of what I’ve seen deals with longer works of fiction. I just wondered how it would play out with a story in novelette form.
IMO, I’d try a couple of more places to publish before you self publish. But, like Tammy says, I would limit the number/time before you self publish. It’s now a legitimate route, but takes a lot of self promotion to succeed. Most of all, don’t give up!
I could try a few more places – what makes me hesitant to do so is the long turnaround times they have, and simply knowing that in similar markets, the story has not fared well – and I think it’s because it is a bit of an odd fit for those markets. I’m stumped as to which markets I should try. Any advice on the matter would be appreciated. *g*
I’d try a few more. But there’s no doubt, it’s tough to sell a short piece in what is a very small market for romantic fantasy. Which doesn’t mean it’s not a fine, enjoyable story.
I really need to research more what’s out there.