Open your Internet browser. Type in "best literary magazines" in your search space. Click on the appropriate database of journals.
Filter the literary magazines by those that publish fiction specifically. Bookmark this list on your Internet browser for future use.
Read carefully about the submission periods, instructions and requirements for each of the magazines. Most magazines will have some sample published work posted on their website. Read some of the previously published stories to see if they seem similar to the type of writing you do. Bookmark the journals that best match your style of writing and whose requirements for length and submission periods you can meet currently.
Make a list ranking the top 10 magazines to which you would like to submit. Depending on the number of stories you have to submit and on whether or not your chosen magazines accept simultaneous submissions, select which story you will submit to any of the 10 magazines in your list. Save this list on your computer.
Format your story or stories in accordance with your chosen magazine's submission requirements. Print the story or stories.
Write a cover letter to accompany each submission. You should address the letter to the fiction editor of the magazine, and should include the title of your submission and a brief bio. listing your past publications and writing experience. Your letter should be brief, to the point, and professional. Print each letter separately. Sign your name at the bottom of each letter with a pen.
Paperclip your cover letter to your story. Attach a self-addressed, stamped envelope to your cover letter and story for the editor's response.
Place your story, cover letter and self-addressed stamped envelope inside a large manila envelope addressed to the appropriate editor and magazine.
Mail the envelope using first class or priority mail. Weigh the envelope to be sure you are using adequate postage.