It can be hard to exactly pinpoint what prevents a story from rising out of the slush pile and eliciting an enthusiastic “yes” from an editor, but there are some pitfalls writers make that happen all too frequently.
I’ve been editing for a long time–for nonfiction for decades, and for short fiction for part of that. During that time, I’ve seen common problems that writers make in their short stories. From an overly ambiguous beginning to an ending that falls flat, many passed-over stories share a few key issues that need addressing.
So, how to improve your short story to get to an editor’s “yes”? Here are a handful of tactics and strategies that can make your story shine brighter and improve the odds of catching an editor’s attention. I offer this as a brief guide to help you review your own work and see if any of these areas can be strengthened.
I’ll be teaching a Reach Your Apex workshop called “Sellable Short Stories: What Editors Want (and What to Avoid)” on Friday, November 14, 2025. This course is for both emerging writers and established authors who want to know: out of hundreds of stories in the slush pile, what makes an editor say “yes” to just a few?
The first prize winner will be awarded $100 U.S. and have their story published in Apex Magazine issue 151, coming out in October 2025. The second prize winner will be awarded $50 U.S. and have their story published on the Reach Your Apex website in September 2025. Three third prize winners will each be awarded $25 U.S. and have their story published on the Reach Your Apex website in September 2025.
I hope you’ll submit to this diverse and growing genre! If you want tips for writing a story, check out some of the resources I have over at Weird West Fiction. If you really want to dive in, I’ll be offering a virtual workshop on June 27 called “Creating Weird West Stories That Sizzle And Sell” at Reach Your Apex.
In this live virtual course, writers will learn how to:
✅ Build immersive settings and plots that evoke the Old West without falling into clichés and harmful stereotypes ✅ Flip familiar tropes into fresh and thought-provoking elements ✅ Draw inspiration from historical accounts with empathy and nuance ✅ Develop grounded characters and high-stakes conflicts ✅ Blend horror, fantasy, science fiction and history in unexpected ways
I’ll be teaching a Reach Your Apex workshop called “Creating Short Horror Stories that Sizzle and Sell” this Friday, May 23, 2025 at 2pm ET/11am PT. This course is for both emerging writers and established authors looking to explore the art of short horror fiction. Whether you’re new to horror or looking to hone your craft, you’ll learn how to create captivating short stories that will stay with the reader long after the final sentence.
If you’re like me, you try to outdo yourself each year with unique and fun gifts for the loved ones in your life. For the readers and writers in particular, it can be fun to look for novelty bookish items beyond a book (though a book is *always* a great gift).
Themed bookmarks, candles, tea, reading lights, and specialty furniture are often a go-to for annual bookish gift lists.
I’ve picked a few of my personal favorite book- and writing-themed gifts in this list that have caught my eye. Many of these I have gifted or been gifted in the past so can vouch for them. These items range from clever advent calendars, epic pen holders, eye-catching book ends, and more.
Disclaimer: These are obviously highly subjective and based around my own horror/sci-fi/fantasy interests.
Happy April! I’m excited to share new book promos, interviews, events and more.
Limited time: popular Weird West books available in special promo for readers at StoryBundle
For a limited time, my supernatural western MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER (Brigids Gate Press) will be available in a “storybundle” together with some of the biggest fantasy and horror western titles available right now.
StoryBundle offers a jaw-dropping deal for readers: for only $5, you’ll receive the four featured digital books:
There is also an upgraded bundle where you can get all 11 weird west stories shown for a deeper discount. This is a fabulous option if you’re looking for new books and want to explore more of the “weird west” (these are westerns with speculative elements, usually combined with fantasy and horror).
I was also delighted to be a guest on D.C. Gomez’s The Book Corner Amazon show to talk about MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER. You can watch a recording of the live show here.
Upcoming events and appearances
Events:
Book Signing: LAT Festival of Books – Sat, April 22, 1-3pm
Panels: Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Nebula Conference – May 13 & 14
Book Signing and Discussion: Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore – Sat, May 20, 3pm
This last month I’ve visited several local bookstores to sign copies of Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger and On social media the book as popped up in bookstore locations ranging Ontario to Kentucky to South Dakota. The book also made its first con appearance (Wondercon), with hopefully many more to come!
As January comes to a close, I am thrilled to share news that MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER hit the #1 best-selling rank on Amazon a week ahead of its release! Thank YOU to everyone who supported this weird western horror adventure! It really means the world.
“KC Grifant comes out guns blazing with MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER –a devious action-packed adventure set in a very weird version of the Old West. Fast, furious, and a hell of a lot of fun!“
-Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of SON OF THE POISON ROSE and RELENTLESS
“This fun, imaginative, and confident series opener will be a massive crowd pleaser for general audiences, especially for those who enjoy a wide range of popular weird western offerings.”
Along with other authors, I will be reading an excerpt from MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER at Strange Worlds, Strong Women. Pre-register here: Pre-register: https://strongwomenstrangeworlds.weebly.com.
I joined the excellent Hidden Gems podcast to discuss how to write–and publish–a short story. The discussion includes tips on how to create a strong plot and well-developed characters, the finances of short stories, and much more. You can listen here: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast/episode-54/.
To receive monthly email updates, sign up here and, as always, happy reading!
Happy December! I hope you had a fulfilling Thanksgiving and are gearing up for a fun and restful holiday season. If you’re stumped on gift ideas, I’ve included some tips on horror and book gift suggestions below.
In personal news, I am beyond thrilled that my poem “A Woman’s Weapon” (published in HWA’s Poetry Showcase Volume VIII) made the recommendations list for the upcoming volume of Ellen Datlow’s esteemed Best Horror of the Year! You can peruse the full list here.
The fall is always a busy and fun time for horror writers. I wanted to share some of the guest interviews and articles I was honored to recently be part of.
KC Grifant 