Story length

Meladie

Really Experienced
Joined
May 28, 2005
Posts
210
Hello writers!

I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right area or not, but I've got a question. I do apologize if I'm making a thread in the wrong place.

I've read the FAQ, and maybe I've missed something, but I'd like to know if there's a limit on how long our stories have to be in order to submit, and be approved. Also, is it better to submit by copying and pasting in the box or sending a Microsoft word file? I'm new (obviously) so please be kind.

If you have a link to any other information that would be helpful to me, I'd appreciate it.

Thank you! :rose:
 
Meladie said:
Hello writers!

I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right area or not, but I've got a question. I do apologize if I'm making a thread in the wrong place.

I've read the FAQ, and maybe I've missed something, but I'd like to know if there's a limit on how long our stories have to be in order to submit, and be approved. Also, is it better to submit by copying and pasting in the box or sending a Microsoft word file? I'm new (obviously) so please be kind.

If you have a link to any other information that would be helpful to me, I'd appreciate it.

Thank you! :rose:

Welcome, Meladie!

Stories must be at least 750 words.

If your submission is heavily formatted (lots of italics, etc.) it's probably simplest to upload a Word doc. Otherwise, I've heard it'll be posted faster if pasted into the submission window.

Best,

~ Imp
 
Meladie said:
Hello writers!

I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right area or not, but I've got a question. I do apologize if I'm making a thread in the wrong place.

I've read the FAQ, and maybe I've missed something, but I'd like to know if there's a limit on how long our stories have to be in order to submit, and be approved. Also, is it better to submit by copying and pasting in the box or sending a Microsoft word file? I'm new (obviously) so please be kind.

If you have a link to any other information that would be helpful to me, I'd appreciate it.

Thank you! :rose:

Hi Meladie and Welcome to the AH,

As to length, the only Lit rule is the minimum, there is no maximum length. However, for long stories there are 2 considerations. First, the audience at large generally seem to like short, to the point tales. More than a Lit page (I think this is about 3-4 WORD pages) and they're frantically back-clicking. For the more discerning (like those of us at the AH :rolleyes: ), we'll read about anything, no matter how long, as long as the grammar and spelling aren't giving us facial ticks.

However, reading long stories on a screen can get tiresome, so if you're tale is really long, you might consider making multiple chapters/installments. The downside of this being you lose readership as the tale progresses.

As to the acutal submittal, I always use WORD, because that's what I write in and attaching the file to the submission request is easy. However, I understand that many authors paste into the submission box. Both seem to work, so it's you're choice.
 
Welcome.

this thread should anwer almost any question you may have...and then some. Newbie Support Forum

P.S. you didn't hear it from me but most of the authors here are not only brilliant and talented but also supportive and friendly...and really cool.
 
Thank you for your help, and the nice welcome. :rose:

I just had read somewhere it was 750 words or more. I searched like crazy.

I also like shorter stories that get quickly to the point, and think it's best to do so. I'm very excited to share my work, and hope you all enjoy!
 
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Meladie said:
... I'd like to know if there's a limit on how long our stories have to be in order to submit, ...
That isn't the important limit. The right length for a story is when it has all the necessary words in it, and none which are not needed. Only the author can decide that. If the result is less than 750, consider using it as an episode in some longer story; just don't (please don't) pad it. Padding always shows and spoils the story.

Meladie said:
Also, is it better to submit by copying and pasting in the box or sending a Microsoft word file? I'm new (obviously) so please be kind.
You will come across a writer on here called Weird Harold from time to time. He first joined Lit so long ago that his date of joining is from when they changed from UBB to the present engine. He knows everything there is to know about Lit in the technical sense and, surprise, surprise, he has answered this question before. Read his "How to" on formatting and posting at http://english.literotica.com:81/stories/showstory.php?id=57781
 
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