How to Write a Short Story, Get Published & Make Money: Short Story Writing Advice with Examples

by Christopher Fielden

“A must read for anyone who has any interest in becoming a writer..." “...I have read many books about writing, and this is the first I have come across that has the information you need not only to put pen to paper, but how to do so in a way that will help get your work published... ...written in a humorous way, you really do come away with solid, practical advice from someone on the inside without feeling intimidated to give it a real go.” Review from Amazon.ca customer Learn from a multitude of writing tips based on real-life experience Thousands of authors around the world have improved their writing skills based on the teachings of Christopher Fielden. In How to Write a Short Story, Get Published & Make Money, Chris uses 16 of his published short stories as case-studies, enabling the reader to clearly see how his advice and tips were used in practice to achieve publishing success. Presented in a humorous and conversational style, the book teaches How to write well-constructed, publishable short stories The value of conducting market research and how it can give your stories a much better chance of being published Things to consider when submitting your short stories to competitions and magazines How to learn from reading How to learn from rejection and criticism How to make money from your writing, including realistic expectations regarding how much you can earn And much more "This is such a helpful book. I enjoyed reading the sample short stories and finding out the process of working on them and submitting for competitions and publication. The critiques of the stories by competition judges and advice on what is sought by publishers is invaluable. The author is (brutally) honest about rejections, the need to edit and adapt stories, and the difficulties of making a living from writing but is always positive. As he says - Never give up." Review from Amazon.co.uk customer List of Some of the publishers, magazine editors, competition judges and website administrators Chris has worked with have been kind enough to contribute to his book, giving useful, professional advice that can further help a writer take steps towards becoming a published author. They Andrew Campbell-Kearsey (Brighton COW) Anthony Howcroft (InkTears) David Howarth (Scribble) Jessica Grace-Coleman (Darker Times) Dr John Yeoman (Writers' Village) Johnathon Clifford (Vanity Publishing Info) Lorraine Mace (Writers' Forum) Lynda Nash (Little House Creative Workshops) Sara-Mae Tuson (InkTears) Sue Moorcroft (Writers' Forum) "Hi Chris, I just wanted to tell you I am really enjoying your book. I love the way you share your knowledge.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2015

Reviews

[Miguel Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's helpful, but could have been superior.

How to Write a Short Story, Get Published & Make Money had helpful tips, websites, and references, but I wish Christopher Fielden hadn't included so many of his own stories. Devil's Crush and Mr. Kill would have been enough. It seemed like he was marketing his brand to readers. It would have been great if Christopher Fielden had included the stories of other authors for examination. There's not much more to say here, as it goes into a lot of Christopher's experiences with short story competitions and magazine submissions.

[Helen Carroll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doesn't really touch on the "how" of how to write a short story. I really felt this book was an anthology of short stories disguised as a craft book. Would've liked more on the craft and less prose.

The first few stories were good but they unfortunately got progressively worse. My favourite story was Troll's Head though. When he wasn't trying hard to be quirky or edgy the stories were solid.

If you're looking for a book on the mechanics of writing a short story, this isn't for you. However, his advice on submitting to competitions and magazines is good and well worth the read for those sections.

[Jo Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable, and useful, book for anyone who is wanting to flex their short story writing muscles.

Covering everything from undertaking research to find the right competitions/magasines for your stories, to writing, submitting and then marketing your published story.

Interest is added by the use of the author’s own short stories as case study examples, including a few with re-writes so you can clearly see how he took on feedback and just kept going.

I have found it a valuable read and now aim to effectively apply all I’ve learned!

[Andrew Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

After searching flash fiction competitions I came across Chris Fielden's 81 Word Writing Challenge where just about any story gets published. So, I entered then explored his website finding How to Write a Short Story, Get Published & Make Money. Fielden's prize-winning short tales provide invaluable excerpts of feedback from international judges. His stories are filled with otherworldly characters making perfect examples for character development. With wry humour he suspends belief in Devil's Crush, inspires with Mr Kill, and explores the art of negotiation in his delightful children's story, Hummingbee Bumblebird Meadow. Further, he imparts online marketing experience with useful tips and links.

[Tim F. Mensbrugghe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Twee sterren maar: het ligt aan mij, mijn verwachtingen lagen te hoog.

Ik dacht: deze dude kent een paar trucjes om korte verhalen gepubliceerd te krijgen en daar een (aanvullend) inkomen mee te verdienen — zoals de titel beloofd. Maar het gaat om niet meer dan habbekratsen en publicatie bij kleine websites en magazines.

Dat is goed voor enthousiastelingen, en Chris Fielden ís enthousiast. Maar voor wie op zoek is naar echt business model blijft op zijn honger zitten.

In ‘t boek staan verschillende korte verhalen van de auteur zelf. Ze zijn geestig. Er spreekt enthousiasme uit. Maar ook bij de verhalen voelde ik geen wauw.

Soit, het ligt dus aan mijn verwachtingen.

[Susi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It’s the first book on writing I’ve ever laughed aloud at while reading in public.

It doesn’t contain any revelations- it contains similar advice to other books on writing- but I did find the section on the advice from Dr John Yeoman from the Writers’ Village very useful.

I found the inclusion of many of Christopher Fielden’s short stories really interesting (and I slightly hate him now as he is clearly very motivated and extremely talented - the stories are incredibly well-written).

[Frank Hubeny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of the author’s stories along with a larger story about how they were edited and marketed. In the process the reader receives recommendations on best practices for writing success.

I found the advice to writers motivated, actionable and supported by useful references. I don’t think a writer needs much more than what is contained in this book. However, if other authors wrote something similar, and I would encourage them to do so, they would be worth reading as well.

[Connor+Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice, good humour.

A really practical book for short story authors who want to get published and, you know, maybe get paid for their obsession!

Uses great examples from the author's own work, including advice and critiques he received from publishers and judges. I actually enjoyed reading the stories too, even though I downloaded the book on KU mainly for study purposes.

There is always more to learn. Going to buy a copy now so I can keep it for reference.

[Pat Stanford · Rating 2 out of 5]

A longer useless book

Here is another Brit-written book on short story writing. Here again, it does not deliver. Only difference was this dude thinks he's funny and insists on adding his own short stories in the work.

It is NOT a "how to write" book, but rather "here's my stuff. Ain't it great?"

I abandoned it half way.

[Holli Keel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book. On one hand, the author really plugs his own work by sharing story after story he’s written. On the other hand, his stories were well-written and interesting, and reading them in context of his tips was super helpful. So, thumbs up on this one.

[Bethany Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! I found the information really helpful and accurate to what I had experienced when entering short story competitions. The short stories were an excellent bonus; my favourite was 'I am the Warlock.'

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good insight and some really great short stories.

Good insight and some really great short stories. I find myself thinking about some of the scenes in the stories that made me laugh or had great quotable lines. "Stupid human."

[Sophie Bowns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t what it claimed to be.

I expected this to be more of a writing guide or a ‘how to’ type of book, but instead it was more of a book of short stories. The actual tales were quite good, but it was slightly misleading.

[Christopher Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant advice with lots of examples. Loved it

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, well written and loved Christopher's tone of voice and humour within book. Loved how he added in his own short stories as case studies/ evidence on his own experiences with writing.

[julie quin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really useful book

A n interesting book that's honest and uses real examples. Author has a great sense of humour and has been brave enough to use his own writing and feedback.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely useful.

[J. Martin, III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Fielden has graced us with an exciting book full of stories and his personal writing techniques. Within "How to Write a Short Story," Mr. Fielden mentions how to enter short story contests and gives many examples of short stories he wrote and how he worked to ensure their publication.

Upon reading the book, I enjoyed the stories as well as their added commentary on how and why some of them were re-written. Mr. Fieldens's website, www.ChristopherFielden.com, is a great source for finding short story competitions to enter stories into for publication. Many of the competitions mentioned in this book are conducted in the United Kingdom.

All in all, the book is fun to read, even if you do not plan on entering any short story competitions anytime soon. If you are, however, the links mentioned, as well as the techniques described within the text, are great ways to get started in writing short stories and pursuing publication. If you are entering the market or have not received publication for short stories and are trying to, definitely give this book and Mr. Fielden's website a try.

[Nida]

DNF about halfway, it wasn’t what I was looking for