Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Thoughts on the content of magazine stories.

(12 Posts)
lilydily9 Fri 10-Sept-21 19:31:38

Thank you all for the information and advice. I really appreciate it and it's certainly food for thought!

Aveline Fri 10-Sept-21 17:17:09

People's Friend have very clear guidelines for writers. Check them out. Doesn't sound like they'd be keen on that particular story but write more!

Peasblossom Fri 10-Sept-21 17:13:25

Oh forgot to say they will also have specific instructions on how to present your story, Tittle Page, spacing, numbering, whether it’s by email, website, hard copy etc.

Make sure you follow them otherwise your story will go unread, straight into the slush pile.?

NotTooOld Fri 10-Sept-21 17:05:37

Agree with Peasblossom. However, as a prolific writer myself (albeit not published very much) I gave up making submissions years ago and now just write for pleasure. I might have another go now, though, as you have inspired me! Good luck with yours, lilydily.

Peasblossom Fri 10-Sept-21 16:57:16

Every magazine publishes guidelines for prospective writers on their websites.

Their advice is, we know what our readers like so don’t think you can buck the trend.

The secret to success is submitting the right story to the right magazine.
And when it gets rejected either rewrite as requested (eg happier ending) and submit again or move onto the next.

Don’t be discouraged by early rejections. They do have their favourite writers and it can be hard to break in ?

AGAA4 Fri 10-Sept-21 16:49:37

I like the idea of the betrayed woman becoming much more successful than her faithless partner.. Happily single with lovers and a fantastic career she can quietly gloat while he wonders why he cheated on her as she is so desirable.

lilydily9 Fri 10-Sept-21 16:38:53

Thank you 'Blossoming' and 'Daisendl', your responses are very encouraging. I will definitely take your advice and submit my story.

lilydily9 Fri 10-Sept-21 16:34:44

Thanks so much, AGAA4, I was hoping for that reaction! I've read that sales of magazines have reduced substantially over the years, obviously for many reasons. But perhaps it is time to re-evaluate what today's readers are looking for.

Daisend1 Fri 10-Sept-21 16:30:07

My preference is to read not write ..My opinion do not give up.
There is always a market for some one new and you may be that someone.

Blossoming Fri 10-Sept-21 16:28:41

Hello lilydily9 I’m pretty sure magazines have ‘betrayed woman builds new life, finds love’ type stories, so I don’t know why yours shouldn’t be acceptable. Send it off, they can only say ‘no’ and they may well say ‘yes’ smile

AGAA4 Fri 10-Sept-21 16:22:37

It sounds like a good story to me lilydily9. I don't read stories in magazines as I find them a bit bland and I think in these times something a bit more interesting would go down well.

lilydily9 Fri 10-Sept-21 16:10:35

Hello everyone, since retiring, I've immersed myself in writing. Several of my stories have done well in competitions, one published in an Anthology. Recently I've thought about sending one particular story to a magazine in the hope it will be printed. It does, however, revolve around a marital affair and I've heard these type of stories are not well received by magazine editors. I was surprised and wondered what your thoughts were on the subject. My story centres around how a wife deals with her husband's betrayal.