AboutWilliam Sternman Expertise My short stories have been published in the U.S., England, Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, South Africa, Japan, and Pakistan. My essays, movie and book reviews have appeared in the Houston Chronicle, Boston Herald, St. Petersburg Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, The Drummer, Films in Review. I took courses in creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania and copyediting at Temple University.
Question Mr. Sternman, I have written many short stories and novellas, and I would like to know to whom I should approach to have a collection of these stories published. Specifically, I have a novel-length collection of stories that delve into the genre of magical realism, and would like to know which agents or publishers might be interested in this "journey through magical realism." Thank you for your help. Andy
Answer Hi, Andy!
I apologize for taking so long to answer your question.
I really don't know what to tell you. It is very difficult for an unpublished author to get a collection of short stories published. I think you're just going to have to send your collection to one publisher or agent after another and hope for the best. Remember, if any agent asks you for a reading fee, run for your life. No reputable agent asks for money.
I wouldn't describe your collection as "magical realism" or anything else. It might be a turn-off. Just let your collection speak for itself.
You might have a better chance if some of your stories were published individually in magazines. This would tell book publishers/agents that you were publishable.
You might also want to try some other “experts” more knowledgeable than I am.
Also, get in touch with writers' groups online and see what they can tell you.
I subscribe to a lot of newsletters for writers and forward them to friends. If you'd like to be added to my mailing list, just send your email address to alec879@hotmail.com.
