best literary ghost stories

One of the best is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a very ambiguous and spooky tale that leaves readers wondering about the true nature of the ghosts. Another great one is 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W. Jacobs. It shows how a simple wish - granting talisman can lead to terrifying consequences. And 'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde is also a classic. It combines humor and the supernatural as the old ghost tries to spook the American family in his ancestral home.

I'd recommend 'The Turn of the Screw' for beginners. Although it's complex in its ambiguity, it's a well - known and highly regarded ghost story. 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' by M.R. James also works well. His stories are not overly long or complex in language. 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' is another good option. The story is easy to follow and the idea of the Headless Horseman is both iconic and spooky enough for newbies to the genre.

One classic is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a very ambiguous and spooky story about a governess who believes the children in her care are being haunted. Another is 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving. It features the famous Headless Horseman. And then there's 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, which although more about vampires, has strong elements of the supernatural and the undead that can be considered in the realm of ghostly tales.

They're looking for a fresh take. If every ghost story is the same old thing, it won't catch their eye. So, something unique like a ghost story set in a modern office building instead of a traditional haunted house.

There might be a story of a haunted ship. Sailors on a ship start to notice strange occurrences, like objects moving by themselves and cold spots. It could be related to a past disaster on the ship where many lives were lost, and the souls are trapped on the vessel.

There are several excellent literary agents for short stories. Trident Media Group is one. They have a large network and can potentially connect short - story writers with a wide range of publishers. Anderson Literary Management is also very good. They are dedicated to promoting unique voices in short - story writing. Moreover, the Sterling Lord Literistic agency is worth considering. They have experience in representing different genres of short stories and can offer valuable guidance to new and emerging short - story writers.

I'm not sure there are specific 'best anal stories' in a general literary sense. However, if we consider stories that deal with complex relationships or self - discovery, many great works could be considered. For example, in some coming - of - age stories, characters often face difficult situations that lead to personal growth. But this has no relation to the rather inappropriate term in the original title. We should focus on positive and meaningful themes in literature.

There's also 'The Bell Witch'. This story is based on a real - life haunting in Tennessee. The Bell Witch tormented the Bell family, making strange noises, moving objects, and even attacking family members. It's a long - standing and well - known ghost story that has been passed down through generations, and the details of the hauntings are very creepy.

They usually blend the supernatural with real - life issues. In 'The Graveyard Book', the protagonist's growth and development are intertwined with his interactions with ghosts. Moreover, modern ghost stories may play with different cultural beliefs about the afterlife and spirits, adding depth and variety to the story.

Well, literary agents will look at the originality of the ghost story. If it's just another run - of - the - mill tale of a spooky ghost in an old mansion, it might not stand out. They also want to see how the author builds tension throughout the story. In a ghost story, tension is key. It keeps the readers on the edge of their seats. And they'll think about how the story ends. A satisfying ending, whether it's a twist or a resolution, is important for a ghost story to be successful in the eyes of a literary agent.