So you’re writing a short story. But what exactly does that mean in terms of word count?
Short stories come in all shapes and sizes, with word counts that vary widely based on the story type and where you’re hoping to publish. Loosely speaking, a short story can be anywhere between 1,000 and 8,000 words.
But the number of words isn’t the whole picture. What matters more is knowing the preferred word count for the specific publications you’re targeting. Let’s break down the different types of short stories and what each entails.
Microfiction: Keeping It Under 500 Words
Microfiction, also known as micro-stories or very short stories, is often defined as a story under 500 words. Sometimes, these stories are as short as 100 words! Writing microfiction is an excellent exercise in brevity, forcing you to cut out all the “fat” and get right to the essence of your narrative.
If you’re interested in submitting microfiction, many publications welcome these bite-sized pieces of writing. You can find a helpful list of places to submit microfiction here. Some journals even accept submissions as short as a single sentence, so you’ll notice the range varies quite a bit.
Flash Fiction: 500 to 1,000 Words of Impact
Flash fiction takes things a step further, allowing for a bit more complexity while still maintaining a compact structure. Flash fiction typically contains up to 1,000 words, and while it’s short, this form allows more character and plot development than microfiction.
Several literary magazines are open to flash fiction submissions. Some well-known options include SmokelongQuarterly and CRAFT, both of which seek high-quality flash fiction pieces. While keeping your story short, this format lets you dive deeper into your characters’ emotions or a central moment in their lives.
Short Stories: The Traditional Format, 1,000 to 6,000 Words
Traditional short stories generally range from 1,000 to 6,000 words, though many publications prefer stories under 2,000 words. If your story falls within this length, you have plenty of options, but it’s important to note that shorter pieces—especially those around the 2,000-word mark—tend to have an easier time getting accepted. If you have a longer piece, say around 6,000 words, you might find fewer outlets that accept these lengths.
From my own experience, finding a home for a 6,000-word story can be challenging, as most literary magazines look for shorter pieces.
However, some publications, like Longreads, specialize in these longer narratives, giving space to stories that fall in a sweet spot: too long for most magazines, but not quite long enough to be called a novella.
Writing Tip: When to Cut Your Story Down
If you’re struggling to place a story that’s a bit too long, it’s worth considering whether some cuts could improve your chances of publication. That said, don’t trim just to hit a word count—only cut if it strengthens the story.
Often, though, you may find trimming extra words not only better fits submission guidelines, but also sharpens the story itself, making it more concise and impactful.
The Bottom Line: Write the Story You Need to Write
At the end of the day, focus on writing the story you’re compelled to tell, without obsessing over word count. Once your story is complete, explore the various publication options available for its specific length. There are publications for every type of story—from ultra-short microfiction to expansive, narrative-driven short stories.
When you’re ready to send your story out into the world, use these categories as a guide to find the best possible fit for your work. Whatever form your story takes, there’s a place for it—and an audience eager to read it.
