Why don't publishers like sub-plots in short stories?

by June Bennion
7th April 2014

Hi everyone,

I noted the above recently but am not sure why publishers are not keen on

why. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Replies

Im not too good at short stories as i find it hard to get a whole story into such a short amount. I wouldnt have room for sub plots- but dont forget, each to their own. Some publishers might not like what others do

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Dale McKee
08/04/2014

As Adrian said, in a short story, you have to go straight to your target, everything is condensed and you only have the room to develop a unique plot, a subplot in a short story is almost unnatural, and it may just confuse your storyllne.

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Mehdi Kasbel
08/04/2014

Sub-plots, mini-plots work in novels if they're skilfully portrayed, but should not be integrated into short stories. The writer will be in danger of confusing and losing the reader if the storyline drifts. A short story should have a single underlying theme, one main event and a clear outcome.

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