From First Draft to Final Line: 9 Short Story Essentials (+ 3 LegendFiction Fixes That Will Save Your Story)
Learn how to write a great short story that captivates readers by following these nine tips, including keeping the plot clear, focusing on a compelling character, and using sensory details to bring your story to life.
Also, get proofreading tips and advice on how to get feedback from beta readers.
All stories are reviewed by our (friendly) mentors. You might get an email asking you to review your story according to one or more numbers on this page.
Incorporate your edits and let us know when your story is updated. This is how we help you grow as a legend (writer), and ensure readers can count on great fiction.
1. Well Edited
Short story submissions should be well edited. Stories with grammatical errors in the first few paragraphs will be immediately declined.
Before submitting, consider running your story through:
Grammarly for all grammar issues
Hemingway Editor to strengthen sentences
2. Opening Paragraphs
In a short story, the core plot—who the protagonist is, what they want, and what stands in their way—should be established within the first few paragraphs.
By the end of the first page, the story’s tone, style, and narrative direction must be unmistakable.
Readers (and editors) don’t have time to dig for the hook—make your stakes and voice immediately compelling.
3. Compelling Character
A short story lives or dies by its focus. Stick to one main character and dramatize their desire—what they want, what drives them, and what it costs.
Avoid shifting viewpoints or dipping into side characters’ thoughts; clarity of perspective keeps the story tight and powerful.
The plot should turn on your protagonist’s motivation, and the story ends when that need is fulfilled, denied, or transformed. Give us a reason to care—urgency, vulnerability, or a sharp voice we can follow to the end.
4. Keep things moving
Even if your plot unfolds slowly, your prose shouldn’t drag. Every sentence should pull the reader forward—through tension, curiosity, or voice.
Don’t linger too long in your character’s thoughts when dialogue or action would serve better. Keep things moving.
And begin as close to the climax as you can—start late, end sharp.
5. Exposition
Keep the spotlight on your protagonist and their goal. Too much exposition—backstory, flashbacks, internal monologue—will stall momentum, no matter how important it feels.
Trim it down or break it up with character interaction and dialogue. Ground the story in immediate, sensory details. Show emotion through movement and action, not just adjectives or adverbs.
Give readers what they need upfront: who the story is about, what they want, and where it’s happening. Clarity earns attention—unnecessary mystery risks losing it.
6. Clear Plot
Short stories thrive on focus.
Center the narrative around a single event or turning point—whether it spans a few minutes or several months, its purpose should be unmistakable. If your plot starts to sprawl—with too many characters, settings, or subplots—cut it back.
Strip the story down to what’s essential for conveying your core idea or emotional arc. Anything that doesn’t serve that purpose should go.
7. Your Writing Voice
New writers are often still discovering their voice—but whatever style you choose, use it with intention. Don’t imitate the lofty, ornate language of epics or classics unless that tone truly serves your story.
If your natural style is modern and direct, lean into it. Prioritize clarity: avoid run-on sentences, break up dense paragraphs, and keep your prose clean.
And be ready to cut the lines you’re most proud of—if they draw attention to your writing instead of your story, they’re in the way.
We learn rules so that we know when to apply them, and when not to. Your ‘style’ comes with experience. Write well first and always.
8. Show and tell
Sensory detail is what makes a story come alive. Don’t rely on adverbs or vague emotion words—choose every word with intention.
Use sight, sound, touch, smell, and movement to anchor the reader in the moment. Avoid simply telling us how a character feels (“She was worried”); instead, show it through behavior, dialogue, or pacing (“She chewed a nail, pacing back and forth, checking her phone every ten seconds”).
The more grounded the detail, the more immersive the scene.
9. Satisfying Endings
A great short story ends with impact—whether it's a twist, a realization, or a simple moment of change. The ending should echo the central tension or theme. Avoid dragging out the conclusion or leaving things unresolved without purpose.
LegendFiction Story Requirements
Graphic Content: Stories should be rated PG13 or below. Stories containing graphic violence and/or graphic sex will be rejected. Stories can contain mild language (hell, damn, etc.) but should avoid strong language (f-bombs, etc.) Stories must not use the specific names of religious figures as swear words.
Proof Reading: Once you’ve written your story, share it with three trusted readers. Ask them to ignore grammar or nitpicks—you’re looking for gut reactions. Does the story work? Where did they feel confused, bored, or pulled out? If you print it, have them circle moments that didn’t land. If digital, use a shared doc with comments enabled. Pay close attention to overlaps—when multiple readers flag the same spot, that’s where revision matters most. This kind of focused feedback can sharpen your rewrite and build confidence before you publish.
Community Feedback: Members of LegendFiction should use our Stories space to share stories and ask for feedback! Be a good member, and read a couple of stories and share your feedback first.