How to write a fiction short story proposal?

Question

I wanted to write a proposal for a fantasy short story and tried to look up proposals. Unfortunately most examples of proposals I found online were for book-length novels and most of the rules for book-length proposals don't apply (like including a few chapters). Basically what I'm asking is, what does a proposal for a short story include? If you could include an example proposal that would be awesome too. Thank you!

Answer 1

The reason you're not finding a short story proposal is that's not how it's done in the literary market. The author completes a short story "on spec," speculating that s/he will be able to sell it, rather than writing a longer work on assignment, with the promise of a sale if its quality is what the proposal led the publisher to expect.

So just write it, then market it. No proposal required on a short story. (Usually, fiction doesn't start with a proposal, either. Generally, that's the norm only for the nonfiction publisher.)

Answer 2

I have to disagree with Maryn.

It is quite common to write proposals for fiction. As for a proposal on shorts, you will want to put a lot of emphasis on your query letter. This also depends on where you are submitting. Each place will have specific guidelines. Be sure to follow them or you will be disqualified for consideration.

Below are the basics from a workshop I give.

Death by Query

How much attention do you, as an author, pay to this aspect of your submission process?  Have you ever really thought about the importance of the query letter?  Do you ever wonder if editors really read queries?  I can't answer for anyone else, but I know I do.

Here are a few quick tips on what "I" think a query letter should be.

*One page-short and simple.

*Professional.  Don't use fancy papers, fonts, or colors.  It is distracting and some editors have called it juvenile.

*Pristine.  It is one page, there is no room for error, so don't rely on spell check.  Own your query and ensure that it is the very best it can be before submitting it.  As an editor, I won't even look at a manuscript if there are typos and technical errors in the query, it is that first impression you can't take back.

It should include;

*All of your contact information.

*A quick paragraph of introduction.

*A couple of paragraphs summarizing your story; the set up, the conflict, the climax, the resolution.  A few simple remarks about each of the key points in your story.

*A brief summary of your industry accomplishments; writing credits, contest wins, and vision for the submission.