A Great Short Story Market for Romance and Mystery Writers

Attention romance and mystery writers! The popular magazine Woman’s World is one of the few publications that considers short stories from unpublished, unagented writers.

Currently, the submission guidelines call for romance stories that are exactly 800 words and mini mysteries that are 700 words. The romance stories must be positive/lighthearted, and the mini mysteries can be either whodunnits or howdunnits (no graphic or gritty content, please).



It’s important to be persistent (really persistent) when submitting to Woman’s World. I would recommend sending at least one story per month. Don't get discouraged by form rejection letters. Keep trying and you’ll likely see personalized notes from the editor begin to come your way.



To understand what style the editors are looking for, it’s best to read several issues of the magazine. And for all the info you’ll ever need on writing romance stories for Woman’s World, check out Kate Willoughby’s incredibly detailed blog. Ms. Willoughby has been published in Woman’s World multiple times and definitely knows her stuff!

Book Themed Stories

Maybe it’s a writer thing, but I really do get a kick out of books and movies about, well–books. Every time I see the comedy Stranger Than Fiction, I have to chuckle over the lengths Emma Thompson’s character goes to in order to combat writer’s block.

And then, of course, there’s the romance-writing heroine in Romancing the Stone. Not to mention the great bookstore war in You’ve Got Mail (who doesn’t love Meg Ryan’s adorable Shop Around the Corner?).

But I guess it’s only natural that novelists should be drawn to stories about the book world. Stories like Inkheart and The Jane Austen Book Club. Lately I’ve found myself caught up in Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series (sooo many clever literary references!).

My own little eBook, Only in Novels, centers on the heroine’s efforts to save her financially struggling bookstore. I had tons of fun with that setting, dropping references to my favorite books and authors all throughout the story.

So what about you guys? Do you have a favorite movie or novel that centers on books or writing? Or maybe you find yourself weaving the subject into your own fiction stories. Either way, post a comment and let us know!

Hello From the Paper Doll!

Hello fellow readers, writers, and book lovers!

I hope you'll enjoy the Paper Doll and make it a regular stop on your tour of the blogging world. It's my goal to share news, information, and tips (as well as fun, random stuff) about writing and publishing fiction.

Take a peek at my bio and you'll see that I'm still a newbie in the publishing world myself, with a series of online articles and an up-coming eBook with White Rose Publishing.

Luckily, my good friend Dolly Dingle has promised to offer lots of advice and inspiration (as well as agreeing to be the blog mascot). After all, who better than a paper doll to provide insight into the world of creativity and imagination? Like the adventurous author exploring new stories, little Dolly tries a new identity and experience with each costume. And yet still finds time to read a good book!

Feel free to post a comment saying hello--and be sure to check out the side links for information on White Rose Publishing and other great writer's resources.