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3 free customizable and printable Short Story Writer samples and templates for 2026. Unlock unlimited access to our AI resume builder for just $9/month and elevate your job applications effortlessly. Generating your first resume is free.
You've published over 20 short stories in various literary magazines, showcasing your ability to reach different audiences. This is crucial for a Short Story Writer as it demonstrates experience and credibility in the field.
Winning the prestigious Prix de la Nouvelle for your collection 'Whispers of the Night' highlights your talent and uniqueness. Awards like this can significantly enhance your appeal to literary agents and publishers.
Conducting writing workshops for aspiring authors shows your commitment to the craft and ability to mentor others. This experience can be a strong selling point for roles that value community engagement in literature.
Your time at Arcadia Literary Journal led to a 30% increase in readership, which reflects your effective storytelling ability. This kind of impact is immensely appealing for a Short Story Writer aiming to connect with broader audiences.
Your intro mentions being 'known for my unique voice' without specifics. Adding examples of your style or themes could better capture the attention of potential readers or publishers looking for a Short Story Writer.
The skills listed are valuable but could benefit from incorporating more specific tools or techniques relevant to writing. Including skills like 'character development' or 'dialogue crafting' can enhance your profile for the target role.
While your resume is strong, adding a brief personal statement about your writing philosophy or what inspires you could make it feel more engaging. This can help establish a deeper connection with your audience.
While you mention conducting workshops, highlighting any memberships in writing organizations or participation in literary festivals could strengthen your profile. This shows dedication to your craft and keeps you connected with the literary community.
The experience section highlights significant accomplishments like winning the National Short Fiction Award and publishing over 50 stories. This showcases the candidate's credibility and success, which is vital for a Short Story Writer role.
The skills section includes key abilities like Creative Writing and Character Development. These are essential for a Short Story Writer, showing that the candidate possesses the necessary talents for storytelling.
The introduction clearly outlines the candidate's passion and extensive experience in writing short stories. This immediately positions them as a strong contender for the Short Story Writer role.
While the resume mentions published stories and awards, it could benefit from more measurable outcomes. For example, including details about readership or engagement metrics would strengthen the impact of their achievements.
The workshop development mention is vague. It could be improved by specifying how many writers were mentored or the success of those writers, adding more credibility to the candidate's mentorship experience.
The resume could incorporate more industry-specific keywords that align with typical job postings for Short Story Writers. Terms like 'narrative voice' or 'thematic depth' could enhance ATS compatibility and appeal to hiring managers.
You effectively highlight your role in leading a team of writers at StoryCraft. This demonstrates your ability to guide and inspire others, which is essential for a Lead Short Story Writer.
Your resume includes impressive metrics, like a 30% increase in readership engagement and a 25% boost in team productivity. These numbers showcase your impact and effectiveness in previous roles, making you a strong candidate.
Having over 50 stories published in various literary journals shows your versatility and recognition in the field. This aligns well with the expectations for a Lead Short Story Writer.
Your introduction clearly conveys your passion and experience in narrative development. This sets a positive tone and makes a strong case for your fit in the role of a Lead Short Story Writer.
The skills section could benefit from including more specific writing-related tools or techniques relevant to short story writing. Adding skills like 'Character Development' or 'Plot Structuring' could enhance your profile.
Your resume could be strengthened by incorporating more industry-specific keywords related to short story writing. Terms like 'narrative structure' or 'thematic development' might improve ATS compatibility and visibility.
While you mention increasing readership, detailing specific strategies or approaches you used to engage with audiences would add depth. This would show your understanding of audience connection, vital for a Lead Short Story Writer.
While you mention a competition win, adding any prestigious awards or recognitions could strengthen your credibility. Highlighting accolades would further solidify your standing in the literary community.
Hunting for Short Story Writer gigs feels isolating when applications pile up and decision-makers move on quickly every day now. How do you show your voice and craft clearly so an editor stops and reads your samples every single time? Editors care about clear publication evidence, specific credits, and measurable audience or award outcomes that prove impact quickly now regularly. Many writers focus on vague bios, flowery claims, and creative adjectives instead of concrete results that editors can verify quickly.
This guide will help you rewrite your resume to highlight publications, craft, and editorial experience. You'll learn to turn "Wrote stories" into measurable achievements such as placements and readership growth. Whether you need help with Publications or Work Experience sections, we'll show clear formatting and wording. After reading, you'll have a focused resume that proves your writing record and readiness.
Pick the resume format that shows your writing path clearly. Use chronological if you have steady publication or editorial roles. Use combination if you have varied freelance work, gaps, or many projects. Use functional only when switching careers and your skills matter more than job titles.
Make the layout ATS-friendly. Use clear headings, simple fonts, and single-column layout. Avoid tables and graphics that ATS can't read.
The summary tells editors and agents what you do and why you matter. Use a concise summary if you have several years of published work. Use an objective if you are new or shifting into fiction writing from another field.
Keep the summary to two short sentences. Align key skills with job listings, like "short fiction," "editing," and "literary submissions." Use this formula: '[Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]'.
Use the objective when you lack publishing credits. Focus on what you bring, not what you want. Mention relevant transferable skills such as narrative structure, character development, or workshop leadership.
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Paris, France • julien.dupont@example.com • +33 1 23 45 67 89 • himalayas.app/@juliendupont
Technical: Creative Writing, Storytelling, Editing, Literary Analysis, Public Speaking
Beijing, China • liu.mei@example.com • +86 138 0000 0000 • himalayas.app/@liumei
Technical: Creative Writing, Character Development, Narrative Structure, Editing, Literary Analysis
Mumbai, Maharashtra • ananya.mehta@example.com • +91 98765 43210 • himalayas.app/@ananyamehta
Technical: Creative Writing, Editing, Narrative Development, Team Leadership, Content Strategy
Experienced summary (for an established writer): "8+ years writing contemporary short fiction focused on character-driven narratives. Published in four national journals, grew reader engagement through workshop series, and earned the Hickle Young Writers Prize."
Why this works: It lists experience, focus, proof points, and an award. Recruiters see specific value fast.
Entry-level objective (career changer): "Emerging short story writer transitioning from journalism. Skilled in concise prose, narrative pacing, and deadline-driven work. Seeking manuscript and editing roles to build publication credits."
Why this works: It explains the switch, lists transferable skills, and states a clear goal.
"Creative writer seeking opportunities to publish work. I write short stories and poems and enjoy storytelling."
Why this fails: It stays vague. It lacks experience, measurable outcomes, or a clear focus. Recruiters can’t see your specialties or results.
List jobs in reverse-chronological order. Include job title, employer, location, and dates. Show writing-related roles like staff writer, fiction editor, or freelance contributor.
Use bullet points with strong action verbs. Start each bullet with a verb like "crafted," "edited," or "curated." Add numbers to measure impact when possible. For example, list publication names, issue counts, readership growth, or award names.
Use the STAR method to shape bullets. State the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Keep each bullet short and results-focused. Include submissions accepted, circulation increases, workshop attendance, or manuscript lengths.
"Crafted 12 short stories published in national journals, increasing personal readership by 40% through newsletter promotion and readings."
Why this works: It opens with a strong verb, lists a clear output, and shows measurable impact. Recruiters see productivity and audience growth.
"Wrote many short stories for journals and performed readings at local venues."
Why this fails: It uses vague terms like "many" and gives no metrics or notable credits. It underplays impact and scope.
Show school name, degree, and graduation year. Add honors or thesis topics if they relate to short fiction. Recent grads should move education near the top. Include GPA only if strong and recent.
Experienced candidates can shorten this section. List relevant certifications and workshops here, or create a separate certifications section for notable programs like MFA or writing fellowships.
"MFA in Creative Writing, University of Cartwright, 2018. Thesis: 'Echoes of Home' (short story collection). Graduate fellowship recipient."
Why this works: It lists degree, institution, year, and a relevant thesis. The fellowship adds credibility.
"BA, English, Zboncak College, 2010. Took many creative writing classes."
Why this fails: It’s generic and vague. It lacks specifics like a thesis, honors, or relevant projects.
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add sections that strengthen your writing profile. Use Projects for story collections or workshops. Use Publications for clips. Use Awards and Residencies for credibility. Use Volunteer or Teaching for community work.
Keep entries short and outcome-focused. List links or DOI where possible. Match keywords from job listings to boost ATS hits.
"Project: 'Small Town Atlas' — 8-story collection. Drafted, revised with beta readers, and placed three stories in national journals. Coordinated a local reading series drawing 120 attendees over six events."
Why this works: It shows a finished project, revision process, placements, and audience reach. Editors see real output and promotion skill.
"Volunteer: Led a community writing group. Helped people write stories."
Why this fails: It reads vague and lacks measurable detail. It doesn’t show scale, achievements, or outcomes.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and readable structure. They match terms to job descriptions and rank applicants. If your document confuses the ATS, it may never reach a human.
For a Short Story Writer, optimizing helps your resume and writing CV get seen by editors and hiring managers. Use terms editors expect, like "short fiction," "flash fiction," "narrative voice," "point of view (POV)," "character development," "literary magazine publications," "MFA," "manuscript," and "submissions." Mention genres you write in, and any awards or residencies.
Avoid complex formatting. Don’t use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, or images. Stick to plain text, simple bullets, and standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
Save as .docx or a simple PDF. Some ATS read .docx better. Don’t upload heavily designed PDFs that mix text and images.
Common mistakes include swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms. For example, don’t use only "storyteller" if job posts say "short story writer" or "fiction author." Also avoid putting crucial info in headers or footers. Many ATS ignore those areas.
Finally, proof your document for spelling and consistency. Use simple dates and clear employer names. That helps both machines and editors read your record fast.
Publications
"Midnight Orchard," short story, Rutherford Literary Review, 2023. "Empty Carriage," flash fiction, Nienow-Collins Magazine, 2022.
Skills
Short fiction; Flash fiction; Point of view (POV); Character development; Narrative arc; Submittable; Scrivener; Manuscript editing; Query letters.
Why this works:
This example lists specific publication entries and clear skills. It uses exact keywords editors and ATS look for. It avoids tables or images. The format stays simple and machine friendly.
Creative Highlights
Wrote many emotional pieces that explore human connections and voice. Featured in several local zines and online outlets.
Tools
Uses a story app and several online submission platforms.
Why this fails:
The section header "Creative Highlights" may not match ATS keywords. The text avoids exact terms like "short story," "flash fiction," or publication names. It hides useful keywords and uses vague tool names, which lowers ATS match scores.
Pick a clean template that lets your narrative voice shine. Use a reverse-chronological layout if you have steady publications or roles, and a functional layout if your credits spread across freelance gigs and residencies.
Keep length tight. One page works for most writers with a few publications, and two pages work if you’ve published widely or held editorial roles.
Use readable, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt so hiring readers can scan easily.
Give each section enough white space. Use consistent margins and 1.0–1.15 line spacing to avoid a cramped look and to make skimming easier.
Label sections with clear headings: Contact, Bio or Profile, Publications, Awards, Residencies, Education, Selected Clips, and Skills. Put links to clips and reading samples in a simple URL or shortened link.
Avoid heavy graphics, multiple columns, or text boxes that confuse applicant systems. Keep layout simple so parse tools read your credits and so humans find your work quickly.
List publications in a consistent format: title, outlet, date, and link if available. Put awards and residencies where editors will spot them quickly.
Proofread layout and links on mobile and desktop. Make sure your contact details sit at the top and your name stands out without large logos or fonts.
Don’t overuse flourishes. Let your writing samples and publication list show your voice. The resume should guide readers to your best pieces with no friction.
HTML snippet:
<h1>Vaughn Ortiz</h1>
<p>Contact: v.ortiz@email.com | Portfolio: vaughn-ortiz.com | Location: Remote</p>
<h2>Profile</h2>
<p>Short story writer with three national publications and a residency at Kohler Group Writers House.</p>
<h2>Selected Publications</h2>
<ul><li>“The Quiet Room,” Williamson-Harris, May 2024 (link)</li><li>“Salt and Noise,” Strosin Inc, Jan 2023 (link)</li></ul>
<h2>Awards & Residencies</h2>
<ul><li>Kohler Group Residency, 2024</li><li>Labadie-Baumbach Short Fiction Prize, 2022</li></ul>
Why this works:
This layout uses clear headings, consistent lists, and clean fonts so editors and ATS parse details quickly. It highlights publications and links first, guiding readers to your best work.
HTML snippet:
<div style="columns:2; font-family: Comic Sans;">
<h1>Karl Kohler - Short Story Writer</h1>
<p>Contact in footer. Lots of icons, colorful sections, and a multi-column publications list with embedded images.</p>
<p>Publications listed without dates or links, and awards buried in a sidebar.</p>
</div>
Why this fails:
Columns and heavy styling can confuse ATS and hide key items. Editors then miss publications and links, which lowers interview chances.
Why a tailored cover letter matters
When you apply for Short Story Writer roles, your cover letter adds the voice your resume lacks. It shows editors why you fit their publication and why your stories will interest their readers.
Key sections breakdown
Tone and tailoring
Write like you speak to a friendly editor. Keep sentences short and direct. Use active voice and plain language. Customize each letter to the publication. Avoid generic templates and recycle only the strongest details.
Practical tips
Open with a hook from your work or a quick note about the publication. Mention a recent issue you liked. Keep the letter to one page. Proofread for grammar and clarity. Send only requested samples and follow submission guidelines exactly.
Dear Hiring Team,
I write to apply for the Short Story Writer position at The New Yorker. I admire your fiction section and the way it balances subtlety with urgency.
My fiction blends close character study with tight plotting. I published eight short stories in literary journals over the last three years. One story reached 15,000 readers online and earned a Pushcart Prize nomination.
I work well to brief and deadline. I revised a linked-story collection with a small press and met every deadline during editing. I listen to notes from editors and revise quickly while keeping my voice intact.
My craft skills include strong scene work, clear point of view, and disciplined pacing. I often write to place and voice, and I use sensory detail to ground scenes. I also have experience reading slush and giving concise editorial feedback.
I would welcome the chance to send recent samples and discuss how my stories could fit your readership. I am confident I can contribute fresh fiction to your pages and meet your editorial needs.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of talking with you.
Sincerely,
Alex Morgan
alex.morgan@email.com
(555) 123-4567
You're a Short Story Writer. Your resume must show your voice and craft clearly. Small mistakes can make editors skip your file.
Pay attention to details, give concrete evidence of your work, and keep formatting reader-friendly. That will help your resume get read and remembered.
Vague role descriptions
Mistake Example: "Wrote short stories and performed editing duties."
Correction: Be specific about what you wrote and edited. Instead write: "Wrote five short stories (2,000–5,000 words) published in Lantern Review and Blue Pine Magazine; edited a 10-story anthology for Riverbend Press."
Omitting publication details
Mistake Example: "Published work in literary magazines."
Correction: List titles, venues, dates, and words counts. For example: "Published 'The Last Lantern,' Lantern Review, Aug 2023, 3,500 words."
Typos and poor grammar
Mistake Example: "Recieved an awrd for best short storry."
Correction: Proofread or get a second reader. Corrected example: "Received an award for Best Short Story, Oakwood Writers Festival, 2022."
Not tailoring to the publisher or genre
Mistake Example: "Genre: fiction" with no further detail.
Correction: Match the publisher's focus. For a literary press write: "Focus: literary short fiction with lyrical voice and character-driven plots." For a genre market write: "Focus: speculative short stories with twist endings."
Poor layout and unreadable formatting
Mistake Example: A single dense paragraph listing everything under "Experience" without bullet points.
Correction: Use clear sections and bullets. Example: "Publications: (bulleted) 'The Last Lantern' — Lantern Review, Aug 2023 — 3,500 words."
These FAQs and tips help you shape a Short Story Writer resume that highlights voice, publication history, and storytelling craft. Use them to pick what to show, where to put it, and how to present small wins clearly to editors and agents.
What key skills should I list on a Short Story Writer resume?
Focus on craft and professional skills editors value.
Which resume format works best for a Short Story Writer?
Use a simple chronological or hybrid format.
How long should my Short Story Writer resume be?
Keep it to one page if you have under ten publications or credits.
Use two pages only for extensive publication lists, awards, or teaching roles.
How should I show short stories and publications?
List selected works with title, outlet, date, and role.
How do I handle gaps or non-writing jobs on my resume?
Frame gaps as time spent on craft or projects.
Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers catch attention. Note story runs, acceptance rates, or readership size. For example, state "Published 6 stories in literary journals" or "Short listed for X prize." Keep lines short and specific.
Showcase a Reading or Links Section
Add a short links section with 2–4 pieces you want editors to read. Include URL anchors or a portfolio link. This helps editors sample your voice fast.
Tailor Each Submission
Match your summary and selected works to the outlet's style and genre. Swap examples so editors see your fit right away. Small edits increase response rates.
Keep Language Tight and Active
Use active verbs and short sentences. Cut filler and flowery words. Editors value clarity and control in prose, so show that on your resume.
Here's a quick wrap-up of what to focus on for your Short Story Writer resume.
If you want, try a writer-focused template or a resume builder, then share it for a quick edit.
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