(from the foreword)...... Some years ago the publisher of a short story magazine had the brilliant idea that a natural audience for such a magazine would be those who themselves write short stories. As a result, he compiled a mailing list of the names and addresses of persons who had sent short story manuscripts to magazines, whether accepted or rejected, and of students in adult short story writing courses at colleges and universities. He gathered a list of more than five hundred thousand names. Unfortunately, the answers to the beautifully worded and printed subscription letter he sent out were almost one hundred per cent identical. "Thank you for letting me know about your magazine. I am sending you a manuscript. Please deduct the price of your subscription from what you pay me for my short story." This is told here because it illuminates the position of the short story in this country.