When retelling a short story, avoid these mistakes. First, don't misinterpret the theme. If the story is about friendship, don't retell it as a story about competition. Second, don't over - simplify to the point where the story loses its meaning. For example, if there are complex relationships between characters in the story, don't just make them all friendly without explanation. Third, don't rush through the retelling. Take your time to ensure you cover all the necessary elements, like the build - up of tension and the resolution.
Avoid ending a short story too abruptly. For example, if you've built up a complex plot and then just stop without any real resolution, it will leave the reader feeling cheated. It's like you've been leading them on a journey and then suddenly cut it short without reaching the destination.
A major mistake is sending a rough draft instead of a polished piece. Editors expect a high - quality story. Not researching the target market is also bad. If you send a horror story to a romance - focused publication, it won't work. And don't forget about the cover letter. A poorly written or missing cover letter can give a negative impression. Make it concise and engaging.
One big no-no is having a confusing plot. Make sure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end that readers can follow easily.
One common mistake is changing the main plot. Sometimes people might add their own ideas too much and deviate from what the original story is about. Another mistake is forgetting important details. For example, if a certain object is crucial to the story, like a magic key in a fairy tale, leaving it out can make the retelling confusing. Also, not getting the sequence of events right is a problem. If you tell things out of order, it can be hard for the listener to follow the story.
One common mistake is having a weak or unclear plot. If the story doesn't have a clear direction, it'll be confusing for the reader. Another is flat characters. They should be complex and interesting. Also, overusing clichés can make the story seem unoriginal. Try to come up with fresh ideas and perspectives.
When submitting a fiction short story, don't forget to proofread thoroughly. A lot of people make the mistake of overlooking typos and grammar errors. Also, don't be too pushy in your cover letter. Keep it simple and professional. And never submit a story that has not been properly formatted according to the requirements of the recipient.
One common mistake is ending too abruptly. It can leave the readers feeling unsatisfied. For example, if you're writing a long adventure story and suddenly end it without resolving the main conflict, it's not good.
One common mistake is not considering the target audience when creating the title. If your story is aimed at young children, a very dark and complex title might not be appealing. For example, 'The Existential Crisis of the Little Bunny' is not suitable for kids. Another error is not making the title stand out. In a sea of stories, a dull title like 'Some Things That Happened' will get lost. You should aim for a title that grabs the reader's attention, like 'The Enchanted Forest's Secret' which sounds more alluring. Also, don't use offensive or inappropriate language in the title, as it can turn away many readers.
One common mistake is having too many characters. It can get confusing for the reader. Another is a weak plot. Make sure there is a real conflict and a resolution. Also, avoid using overly complicated language just for the sake of it. Simple and clear is often better. And don't forget to proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
When submitting a science fiction short story, avoid these mistakes. First, don't overlook the details in the submission guidelines. Every little thing matters, from the file name to the format of the manuscript. Second, don't make your story overly complex in the beginning without setting up the context. Readers need to be able to understand what's going on quickly. And third, avoid submitting a story that doesn't fit the theme or style of the publication you're targeting. It's important to do your research on what they typically publish.