So many writers are nervous about submitting their stories, afraid of being judged, afraid of putting their work out there and being told "That's not good enough". It's understandable; rejection hurts, particularly when it's of something as personal as the product of your imagination, of hours of careful crafting, perhaps deliberate storytelling choices, bits of your own past, profound insights and treasured thoughts... It's natural to be worried about it.
What you may not realize is that the people reading it want it to be the best thing they've ever read.
They're out there praying for the next Hugo, the next Nebula to fall into their laps. They want more than anything else to be absolutely blown away. At the very least they intend to enjoy what's coming their way if at all humanly possible.
As a writer, this means you'll be facing the best audience you could ever want. They're starting off on your side; you don't have to work hard to get them there. So there's no call to be afraid. Instead, you can be fearless -- take risks, go over the top when you like, write your true passion from the depths of your soul. That's exactly what they dream of seeing. And so what if it's a little strange? So is everyone else.
This is especially true in the realms of fantasy and science fiction.
And, more to the point, it's the best aspect of being part of a small publication like Sci-Fi Shorts, where there's a Beta Readers Room to help you refine your tales and a helpful editorial staff that's truly eager to find something glorious to publish, to work with you to help make every story the best story it can possibly be.
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