Finishing a story and preparing it for submission are different tasks. Give each its own time. A final reading can concentrate on the story; a separate checklist can handle filenames, guidelines and records without interrupting that reading.
Read the publication before the guidelines
Look at several pieces, not just one. Notice their tone, form and range. A publication’s identity cannot be reduced to a word limit or a genre label. Then read the guidelines on its own website and check that submissions are currently open.
Use the current instructions
Check the requested format, length, submission method and cover-letter requirements. Look for the publication’s stated approach to simultaneous submissions, reprints and response times. An old directory entry or archived guidelines page may describe rules that have changed.
If you arrived looking for the original Realms of Fantasy guidelines, visit our historical guidelines note. The original magazine is closed, and this site is not accepting fiction submissions.
Make a record you can maintain
A simple spreadsheet is enough. Record the story title, version, publication, submission date, status and the date when the publication says a query is appropriate. Keep a copy of the instructions you followed. Update the record when a response arrives.
Before clicking send
- Open the attachment and check that it is the intended version.
- Confirm the recipient or submission portal against the publication’s website.
- Check the filename and contact information.
- Keep the cover letter relevant to the stated requirements.
- Save the confirmation or reference number.
A checklist cannot make a story right for every editor. It can remove avoidable uncertainty from the part of the process you control, leaving more attention for the next thing you want to write.